AN “elevated” unrest at Taal Volcano in Batangas province has been observed as 259 volcanic earthquakes, including 236 tremors, were recorded in the past 24 hours, increasing the possibility of eruption, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Wednesday. Through its Taal Volcano Network (TVN), Phivolcs has monitored a total of 2, 015 volcanic tremors, 734 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes and 18 hybrid earthquake events since Taal became restive on Feb. 13, 2021. Overall seismic activity release has markedly increased since Tuesday afternoon compared to previous seismic swarms, Solidum said. “These parameters may indicate increased magmatic activity at shallow depths beneath the edifice, increasing the possibilities of eruption,” Solidum said. Meanwhile, local government units near the TVI have been advised to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated villages around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest, Phivolcs said.

Source: Manila Times March 24, 2021 11:03 UTC