- The Taal Volcano Network recorded five volc
anic earthquakes - Weak steaming rising 20 meters high before drifting south-southwest was observed from vents on the Main Crater
- Alert Level 1 is maintained over Taal Volc
ano and any new significant development will be immediately communicated
It was on January 12, 2020 when people of Batangas as well as those from nearby provinces were shocked by the sudden eruption of the volcano famously known as the Taal Volcano. The colorful towns turned gray as the ashes covered the plants, houses and buildings. But because of the efforts exerted both by the local, national government and many concerned citizens and private groups, the people most especially the province of Batangas regained its normal life.
It seems like a nightmare that caused trauma to many individuals, and on August 18, 2020 as reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS) it was stated that for the past 24 hours, the Taal Volcano Network recorded five volcanic earthquakes.
“Weak steaming or fumarolic activity rising 20 meters high before drifting south-southwest was observed from vents on the Main Crater. Alert Level 1 (Abnormal) is maintained over Taal Volcano. DOST-PHIVOLCS reminds the public that at Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island (TVI). DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly recommends that entry into TVI, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, must remain strictly prohibited.“-PHIVOLCS
In connection to this, they also advised the local government units to continuously assess the previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake for damages and road accessibilities and to strengthen preparedness, contingency, and communication measures in case of renewed unrest. The people were reminded to observe precautions due to ground displacement across fissures, possible ashfall, and minor earthquakes. Also, civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft.
Taal Volcano’s activity is closely monitored by DOST-PHIVOLCS and any new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders.
In an interview, Director Renato Solidum of PHIVOLCS clarified that the steam coming from the volcano is just a normal observation with Taal Volcano.
“Paminsan-minsan nagbabago ‘yung volume o dami ng usok na lumalabas, pero ‘yon po ay normal na obserbasyon sa Taal Volcano kase hindi naman madami ‘yung earthquakes… Wala po tayong nakikitang delikado ‘yung mga tao sa labas ng island. Ang atin lang ipinagbabawal ay bumalik ang mga tao sa volcano island dahil nand’yan ‘yung possibility na magkaroon ng steam driven explosion.”-Dir. Renato Solidum
As of 9:15 AM on the 18th of August 2020, Epoy’s Life on Dialysis uploaded a video via Youtube, the steaming comes back to normal as seen on the video.
