LUCENA CITY: Taal Volcano recorded a significant increase in volcanic earthquakes and tremor episodes over the past 24 hours, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Tuesday (May 26).
In its morning bulletin, Phivolcs reported that Taal Volcano recorded 21 volcanic earthquakes and 10 volcanic tremor episodes, each lasting between one and three minutes.
The figure marked a sharp increase compared to seismic activity recorded from May 20 to 25, when the volcano logged only three volcanic earthquakes daily, except on May 24, when no seismic event was recorded.
Phivolcs explained that volcanic earthquakes are generated by processes occurring within an active volcano and are identified through distinct seismic patterns, amplitudes, and wave periods.
Volcanic tremors, meanwhile, are continuous low-frequency seismic signals that may appear in either regular or irregular waveforms.
On May 16, Taal Volcano generated a minor phreatic, or steam-driven, eruption that lasted about three minutes.
In its latest monitoring, Phivolcs said the volcano emitted 1,314 metric tons of sulfur dioxide, which the agency classified as a “weak emission.”
The agency also reported no signs of upwelling hot volcanic fluids in the main crater lake and no volcanic smog, or “vog,” during the monitoring period.
However, Phivolcs emphasized that Alert Level 1 does not mean the volcano has returned to normal, warning that eruptive activity remains possible.
The agency reiterated that entry into Taal Volcano Island (TVI) — locally known as “Pulo” — in the middle of Taal Lake remains strictly prohibited. Boating on the lake and flying aircraft close to the volcano are likewise banned. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
