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Philippines raises alert level for volcano over “increasing unrest”
MANILA, March 9, 2021 (BSS/Xinhua) – Philippine volcanologists on Tuesday
raised the alert level for Taal volcano to 2, saying the island volcano, 66
km south of Manila, is showing “increasing unrest.”
“This means that there is (a) probable magmatic activity that may or may
not lead to an eruption,” Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine
Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, said in a local radio interview.
The institute said it raised the alert level from 1, or low-level unrest,
to 2, or increasing unrest, after detecting 28 “volcanic tremor episodes,
four low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, and one hybrid earthquake at shallow
depths of less than 1.5 km beneath the volcano in the past 24 hours.”
“Volcanic tremors have increased seismic energy compared to previously
recorded episodes and ranged between three to 17 minutes in duration,” the
institute said in a statement, adding the number of volcanic tremor events
has risen to 866 since the onset of increased activity on Feb. 13.
The institute added that 141 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes have
occurred within one-km depth beneath the volcano and immediate vicinities.
“Overall, seismic activity in the past month indicates increased magmatic
and hydrothermal activity at shallow depths beneath Taal volcano island,” the
institute said.
The institute urged people to stay away from the island, reminding the
villagers that the island is a permanent danger zone.
“Entry into the island, especially the vicinities of the main crater and
the (tourist trail), must remain strictly prohibited,” the institute said.
Taal volcano last erupted in January 2020.
An active earthquake zone, the Philippines has frequent seismic activity
due to its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” At least 24 active
volcanoes dot the Philippine archipelago.
BSS/Xinhua/MSY/1056 hrs