Awareness and Preparedness
|TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN 22 June 2014 8:00 A.M.|
|Sunday, 22 June 2014 14:48|
Taal Volcano’s (14.0000N, 120.9833E) seismic network detected five (5) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24-hour observation period. Field measurements made last 19 June 2014 at the western sector of the Main Crater Lake recorded a decrease in water temperature of 32.6°C from 34.1°C, a decrease in water level of 0.26 meter from 0.31 meter, and a decrease in acidity with a pH reading of 3.18 from 2.90. Ground deformation survey (precise levelling) on 4-11 June 2014 showed no significant changes compared to the February 2014 survey. GPS data from December 2013 to end of April 2014 also showed deflationary changes in ground deformation. However, the edifice is still slightly inflated in general compared to February 2011 baseline data. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emission at the Main Crater Lake increased to 698 tonnes per day based on June 10 to 15, 2014 data compared to 675 tonnes per day of February 2014 data.
Alert Level 1 remains in effect over Taal Volcano. This means that hazardous eruption is not imminent. The public, however, is reminded that the Main Crater should be strictly off-limits because sudden steam explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. The northern portion of the Main Crater rim, in the vicinity of Daang Kastila Trail, may also become hazardous when steam emission along existing fissures suddenly increases. Furthermore, the public is also reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strongly not recommended.