Volcanic Advisory

In the past 24-hour period, the Taal Volcano Network recorded seven (7) volcanic earthquakes. Weak steam-laden plumes from fumarolic activity at the vents of the Main Crater rose 5 meters high before drifting southwest. Ground deformation parameters based on continuous GPS monitoring from 29 March 2020 to present indicated a slow and slight inflation of the northwestern sector of Taal Caldera, which was also recorded by electronic tilt on northwest Volcano Island starting the second week of July 2020. In contrast, GPS data from the southwestern sector of Taal Caldera and Volcano Island yielded no significant change after the huge post-eruption subsidence.

Alert Level 1 (Abnormal) is maintained over Taal Volcano. DOST-PHIVOLCS reminds the public that at Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island (TVI). DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly recommends that entry into TVI, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, must remain strictly prohibited. Local government units are advised to continuously assess previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake for damages and road accessibilities and to strengthen preparedness, contingency, and communication measures in case of renewed unrest. People are also advised to observe precautions due to ground displacement across fissures, possible ashfall, and minor earthquakes. Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders.