As of 8:00 a.m. of January 22, 2020, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) posted a Taal Volcano Bulletin.
According to DOST-PHIVOLCS, the activity in the Taal Volcano’s main crater in the past 24 hours has been characterized by “weak emission” of white steam-laden plumes 50 – 500 meters tall and dispersed southwest of its main crater.
Based on the reports from the Philippine Seismic Network, they have recorded a total of 725 volcanic earthquakes in Taal region since 1:00 p.m. of January 12. One hundred seventy-six (176) of these volcanic earthquakes were registered at magnitudes M1.2 to M4.1 and were felt at Intensity I to Intensity V.
Since 5:00 a.m. on January 21, 2020 until 6:00 a.m. on January 22, 2020, the Philippine Seismic Network recorded six (6) volcanic earthquakes that were registered at magnitudes M1.5-M2.4 with no felt event. The intense seismic activity may signify continuous magmatic intrusion beneath the Taal edifice, in which this may lead to further eruptive activity.
In addition, the Taal Volcano Network recorded 481 volcanic earthquakes for the past 24 hours, which includes 8 low-frequency earthquakes. According to PHIVOLCS, the Taal Volcano Network can record small earthquakes that were undetectable by the Philippine Seismic Network.
Furthermore, the emission of sulfur dioxide was measured at an average of 153 tonnes per day.
The alert Level 4 still continued in effect over Taal Volcano, which means, according to DOST-PHIVOLCS, the hazardous explosive eruption will happen within hours to days. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology strongly restated the total evacuation of Taal volcano island as well as high-risk areas as identified in the hazard maps within a 14-km radius from its main crater and along the Pansipit River Valley where fissuring has been observed.
The DOST-PHIVOLCS will continually monitor the eruption.
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