Lower Taal Volcano alert level possible – Phivolcs

The Taal Volcano in Batangas province. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, lowering the alert level of Taal is possible if its activity continues to decrease. KEN JOVER/CNN PHILIPPINES
The Taal Volcano in Batangas province. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, lowering the alert level of Taal is possible if its activity continues to decrease. KEN JOVER/CNN PHILIPPINES

Manila – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said lowering the alert level of Taal Volcano is possible if its activity continues to decrease.

Mariton Bornas, chief of the Phivolcs Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division, said they were monitoring the situation for the sake of evacuees who were uncomfortable leaving their homes and staying in evacuation centers.

“Kung maging matagal ang lull, pwedeng babaan ang alert level,” Bornas added.

She said it’s typical for a volcano to enter a lull during a prolonged eruption but does not necessarily mean a “hazardous eruption” is not possible.

“Hindi pa rin tinatanggal ang panganib na maaaring pumutok nang malakas. Pero tinitignan na rin natin ngayon ang possibility na mag-lull ng considerable na tagal,” she added.

Bornas warned that there is a potentially dangerous activity underneath Taal as there are fewer volcanic earthquakes but the intensities remain strong.                

The volcano also continues to emit high amounts of sulfur dioxide.

Residents were advised to avoid going back to their homes located in the “danger zone” or within a 14-kilometer radius of the volcano’s crater – as the threat of a hazardous eruption remains.   

“Kami po ang magsasabi kung maaari na pong ibaba ang ating guard. Status quo muna dahil ganoon pa rin ang kalagayan,” said Bornas./PN

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