This serves as notice for the raising of the alert status of Taal from Alert Level 1 (abnormal) to Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest).
Taal Volcano is manifesting increased level of activity: 1. Visual Observation: Increased steaming activity in at least five spots inside the Main Crater has been observed at around 1300H today with the largest activity comprised by a phreatic explosion that generated a plume approximately 100 meters high. This activity is still ongoing as of this issuance.
2. Volcanic Earthquake Activity: Since 28 March 2019, Taal volcano seismic network has manifested moderate to high level of seismic activity. Some of these earthquakes were felt with intensity ranging from Intensity I (Scarcely Perceptible) to Intensity III (Weak Shaking) in the barangays of Calauit, Balete, Sitio Tibag, Pira-Piraso, and Buco, Talisay, Alas-as and Pulangbato, San Nicolas, Batangas. Often, these felt earthquakes are accompanied by rumbling sounds. Today, three felt earthquake events were recorded at 0735H, 1043H and 1400H. A seismic swarm has started at around 1100H and ongoing as of 1410H.
3. Ground Deformation: Cumulative elevation changes of the volcanic edifice based on precise leveling (PL) measurements this March 2019 indicate that it has slightly inflated relative to November 2018 after a period of general deflation since 2016. Slight inflation of the edifice starting on January 2019 was also recorded by continuous Global Positioning Systems (GPS) after a period of general deflation since 2016.
4. Gas Emission: Dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in Taal Main Crater Lake (MCL) based on continuous measurements have been gradually increasing since February 2019, indicating a slight increase in the input of volcanic CO2 degassing from the hydrothermal system into the lake.
In view of the above, DOST-PHIVOLCS is now raising the alert status of Taal from Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2. This means that there is probable magmatic intrusion that may or may not lead to an eruption. The public is reminded that the Main Crater should be strictly off-limits because sudden steam explosions can occur and high concentrations of lethal volcanic gases can be released. The northern portion of the Main Crater rim, in the vicinity of Daang Kastila Trail, can also become hazardous when fumarolic or degassing activity along existing fissures suddenly increases. Furthermore, the public is also reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strongly not recommended. In view of the ongoing phreatic activity in the Main Crater, PHIVOLCS advises precautionary evacuation of Taal Volcano Island pending observation of the volcano’s condition within the next 48 hours.
DOST-PHIVOLCS