Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Alert Level 3 on Taal Volcano as it expels ash in a phreatic eruption on Sunday afternoon due to hydro-thermal activities.
“This serves as notice for the raising of the alert status of Taal from Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) to Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest). As of 1404H (2:04 PST), Taal Volcano Main Crater has escalated its eruptive activity, generating an eruption plume 1 kilometer-high accompanied by volcanic tremor and felt earthquakes in Volcano Island and barangays of Agoncillo, Batangas. Ashfall is currently being showered on the southwest sector of Taal,” Phivolcs said on a Facebook post.
“In view of the above, DOST-PHIVOLCS is now raising the alert status of Taal from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3. This means that there is magmatic intrusion that is likely driving the current activity. PHIVOLCS strongly recommends Taal Volcano Island and high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel, Batangas be evacuated due to the possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami. The public is reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and entry into the island as well as high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel is prohibited.
In addition, communities around the Taal Lake shore are advised to take precautionary measures and be vigilant of possible lakewater disturbances related to the ongoing unrest,” Phivolcs added.
Photos were shared on the Philippine Weather System/Earthquake Update Facebook page as can be seen below.
Do you live in the vicinity of Taal Volcano? What’s the status of your area?
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