Ash plumes were once again seen above the main crater of Taal Volcano in the morning of January 16, 2020.
In a bulletin released on the same day, PHIVOLCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology), has reported "short-lived dark gray ash plumes 500 and 800 meters high."
"Activity in the past 24 hours has generally waned to weak emission of steam-laden plumes 700 meters high that dispersed ash to the southwest," bulletin continues.
In a press briefing, Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division chief Mariton Bornas noted that "lulls" were common in prolonged eruptions similar to Taal's 1977 activity, but this doesn't mean that people can be complacent.
Since Taal's reawakening on January 12, there have already been 566 volcanic earthquakes recorded, and movements caused by volcanic activity are still ongoing. Water from Taal's main crater has already been drained, and fissures have appeared on the volcanic island, as well as in nearby villages within Lemery. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions are high, "at an average of 4186 tonnes/day."
"Kailangan namin tingnan kung anong ibigsabihin nito, kung ito ay panandalian lamang lull... kung may marami nang volume na naka-abang sa ilalim [ng bulkan]...Kasi ang volume na maaari nitong iputok ay isa sa mga dapat nating i-consider sa pag-asses ng Alert Level," says Bornas, appealing to people to avoid returning to the 14-kilometer danger zone as Taal is still at Alert Level 4.
"Mataas ang volcanic SO2. Tumaas. Ang ibigsabihin nito...ay may magma... Kailangan pa nating i-evaluate...As long as meron po tayo tayong tinatawag na eruptable magma sa ilalim ng bulkan, nandiyan po ang panganib."
Read more:
- Taal Volcano Erupts, PHIVOLCS Raises Alert Status to Level 3
- No Volcanic Tsunami as of Now, Taal Alert Level 4 Remains, Says PHIVOLCS Director
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- This Couple Got Married in Tagaytay Amid Taal Volcano Eruption
- Do This Before Cleaning up Ashfall From Your Garden
- Where to Volunteer, Send Donations for Those Affected by Taal's Eruption
- Coffee Farms Most Affected by Taal Eruption, Says Report
- Forbes Asia Hero of Philanthropy Awardee Angel Locsin Joins Taal Relief Efforts
