US advises citizens in Phl not to go to Taal Volcano

PhilStar.com: US advises citizens in Phl not to go to Taal Volcano
MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) -- The US embassy today advised its travelers in the Philippines to avoid going to Taal Volcano due to high seismic activity in the area.

"The US embassy reminds US citizens that the Philippine government has established that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and has stated that permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. No residents are allowed within the danger zone," the embassy said in its warden message.

"US tourists considering travel to the vicinity of the Taal Volcano to strictly observe any Philippine government restrictions on travel into the PDZ and to pay close attention to daily status reports issued by The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)," it added.

Taal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the country, is located in the province of Batangas, approximately 60 kilometers south of Manila.

PHIVOLCS maintains alert level 2 over Taal as the magma rises towards the surface of the volcano, as manifested by carbon dioxide being released in the Main Crater Lake and an increase in seismic activity.

PHIVOLCS advises the public that the main crater, Daang Kastila Trail, and Mt. Tabaro are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and a high concentration of toxic gases may accumulate.