The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised the Alert Level of Taal from Level 2 or increasing unrest to Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) and recommended the immediate evacuation of residents in high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel in Batangas.
In its Taal Volcano Bulletin 1 issued at 3:37 p.m. on July 1, Phivolcs reported that Taal Volcano’s main crater generated a short-lived dark phreatomagmatic plume reaching 1-kilometer-high with no accompanying volcanic earthquake.
In raising Taal Volcano’s alert level, Phivolcs said there’s now magmatic intrusion at the main crater that may further drive succeeding eruptions.
“Phivolcs strongly recommends Taal Volcano Island and high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel, Batangas be evacuated due to the possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami,” Phivolcs said.
Phivolcs reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and entry into the island, as well as high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel is prohibited.
Moreover, Phivolcs said communities around the Taal Lake shore are advised to take precautionary measures and be vigilant of possible lakewater disturbances related to the ongoing unrest.