Alert Level 2 remained hoisted over Taal Volcano in Batangas on Wednesday morning as it continued to show increased unrest, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.
Fifty-one volcanic earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, which include tremors with durations of one to four minutes, it said.
The main crater showed steam-laden plumes reaching as high as five meters being emitted from vents.
Meanwhile, the Archdiocese of Lipa is ready to open its doors to people who might be affected by the continued unrest of Taal.
“Because of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), the situation is different now, unlike before that we can just feed them, we can accommodate them. But this time, we have to be careful also,” Lipa Archdiocesan Social Action Commission director Fr. Jayson Siapco said in an interview over church-run Radio Veritas.
He added that the different local government units in Batangas are looking for areas as evacuation sites if the situation of the volcano worsens.
Based on the last measurements taken, the temperature of the lake in the main crater went up to as high as 71.8 degrees Celsius on March 4 and the pH level reached 1.59 on Feb. 12.
“Ground deformation parameters from electronic tilt, continuous GPS and InSAR data analysis indicated a very slow and steady inflation and expansion of the Taal region since after the January 2020 eruption,” PHIVOLCS said.
The institute reminded the public that entry is strictly prohibited on Taal Volcano Island as sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ash fall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas may occur.
PHIVOLCS also advised local government units to assess and strengthen their preparedness of barangays around the Taal Lake which were previously evacuated should the volcano show renewed unrest.
It also advised pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano since ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions may be hazardous to aircraft.
Siapco assured that once churches have been opened and other facilities as evacuation centers, strict implementation of health protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of all.
“For sure we will open but we need to implement the protocol. If ever the people will evacuate, then we can openly and courageously open our churches and our institutions practicing health protocols,” Siapco said.
Under Alert Level 2, eruption may or may not happen. Evacuation is not recommended but the public has been advised against going to the Taal Volcano Island, a permanent danger zone.
Entry into the vicinity of the main crater and Daang Kastila fissure must also remain strictly prohibited. Phivolcs said. With PNA
