Phivolcs: Earthquakes rock Taal, Bulusan Volcanoes

MB.Com.PH (Manilla): Phivolcs: Earthquakes rock Taal, Bulusan Volcanoes
MANILA, Philippines -- Taal Volcano rocked nine times Friday while Mt. Bulusan had three earthquakes in the past 24 hours ending at 8 a.m. yesterday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Phivolcs said Taal is still under Alert Level 1 and warned residents not to venture into the main crater since carbon dioxide emissions may be fatal in spite of the findings that steaming activity at the thermal area was weak.

Water level dipped from 0.36 meter to 0.33 meter but water temperature slightly increased from 30.0°C to 30.5°C and pH value also slightly increased to 2.84 as compared to the last reading of 2.82 on March 29, meaning the water became slightly less acidic.

But no imminent eruption is forecast.

On the other hand, Mt. Bulusan recorded only three volcanic earthquakes until early morning yesterday and the emission of white smoke was weak at the southeast and northwest thermal vents.

Measurements of sulphur dioxide (SO2) emission rate showed a decline to 28 tons per day (tpd) as of April 6, compared to the previous reading of 38 tpd the previous day.

Bulusan Volcano’s status remains at Alert Level 1 and entry to the four-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited.

Civilian aircraft are also warned not to venture close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may be hazardous to aircraft.

Mayon Volcano emitted only moderate levels of steam yesterday and Alert Level 1 is in effect in the area.

No eruption is imminent, according to Phivolcs, but the public should not enter the six-kilometer radius PDZ due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rockfalls from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano.