Taal’s ‘imminent hazardous eruption’ expected in ‘hours or days’ — Phivolcs
Credit to Author: Divina Nova Joy Dela Cruz| Date: Sun, 12 Jan 2020 13:10:43 +0000
THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Alert Level 4 over Taal Volcano in Batangas on Sunday evening, hours after it spewed ash and smoke, causing ashfall that spread to Metro Manila and Central Luzon.
In a bulletin released at 7:30 p.m., Phivolcs said from Alert Level 3 or “magmatic unrest”, Alert Level 4 means that the volcano was now in a state of “imminent hazardous eruption” that could occur “within hours or days”.
The eruptive activity of Taal Volcano intensified with its continuous eruption at 5:30 p.m., which generated 10 to 15 kilometers of steam-laden tephra column accompanied by frequent lightning that showered wet ashfall over the general north up to Quezon City, Phivolcs said.
Phivolcs also recorded continuous volcanic tremor since 11 a.m., which prompted the initial announcement of Alert Level 2. Alert Level 3 was raised at 4 p.m.
Two “felt” volcanic quakes at Intensity 3 were also recorded with magnitudes 2.5 and 3.9, at 4:15 p.m. and 4:22 p.m., respectively.
Phivolcs reiterated its recommendation of total evacuation from the Taal Volcano Island and other nearby areas. Phivolcs warned against the risk of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami within the 14-kilometer radius from the main crater of Taal Volcano.
Phivolcs also warned of heavy and prolonged ashfall towards the north of the volcano. Aircraft were also advised to avoid the area due to “airborne ash and ballistic fragments” from the eruption.