The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) revealed that an increase of up to 17, 141 tonnes of volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emission daily has been recorded in the Taal volcano.
The seismology bureau said that airborne volcanic gas is expected to be drifted to the general east to west of Taal Volcano Island based on air parcel trajectory data.
An average of 6,041 SO2 flux ton/day has been recorded since July, an increase from the average of 1,289 tons/day between May and mid-July.
There is also a visible increased degassing in the form of upwelling in the Main Crater Lake and voluminous steam-rich plume activity, with a total of three volcanic tremors that lasted nine minutes, were also recorded in the previous 24-hour observation period.
Phivolcs reminded the public that Taal Volcano is still under Alert Level 1, which means it is still in its unrest conditions.
“Should an uptrend or pronounced change in monitored parameters forewarn of renewed unrest, the Alert Level may be raised back to Alert Level 2,” it added.
Local government units are advised to continuously assess previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake for damage and road accessibilities and to strengthen preparedness, contingency, and communication measures in case of renewed unrest.
The residents nearby the volcano must observe precautions due to ground displacement across fissures, possible ashfall and minor earthquakes.