Taal Volcano Alert Level 2

Trekking Taal Volcano? Hold on!

Philippine Volcanologists has raised Alert Level 2 on Taal Volcano in Batangas on June 8, 2010.

Since the last week of April 2010, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvocs) has monitored an increase in seismic action in Taal Volcano.

Volcanic earthquakes detected continued to rise. The institution has recorded 32 high frequency volcanic tremors in the morning of June 8, 2010 alone. According to volcanologist, the normal volcanic earthquake is from zero to a maximum of five.

At the Main Crater Lake, temperature measurement has increased by 2.0 C. Even the ground temperature has a recorded increase in thermal reading.

In the northern and northeast part of the Main Crater, hot gases or steam are visible. There are times that steaming activities are accompanied by a whistling sound.

Based on Philvocs chart, Alert Level 2 means a low to moderate level of seismicity, persistence of local but unfelt earthquakes. Ground deformation measurements above baseline levels. Increased water and ground probe hole temperatures and increased bubbling at the Crater Lake. And a probable magnetic intrusion that could lead to an eruption.

With the following conditions of Taal Volcano, the general public is advised to stay away from the Main Crater. It is dangerous due to hazardous steam-driven explosion that may occur, with a build-up of toxic gases. Philvocs advises the general public that the whole Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone.

So if you have plans in trekking the volcano, maybe this is not the right time. It would be better to have your plans shelved and have your adventure when the level gets down.

Return from Taal Volcano Alert to Batangas-Philippines.com