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 immedaite evacuation of people 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-lvied dark phreatomagmatic plume reaching 1 kilometer-high with no accompanying volcanic earthquake.
In raising Taal Volcano’s alert level, Phivolcs says there’s now magmatic intrustion at the main crater that may further drive succeeding ereuptions. “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 warned.
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.