The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has maintained Alert Level 2 over Taal Volcano as magma has been intruding towards the surface, as manifested by carbon dioxide (CO2) being released in the Main Crater Lake and increase in seismic activity following its abnormal activity on Saturday.
Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said gas measurements conducted at Taal Main Crater Lake last January, February and March 2011, yielded CO2 emission values of 2,250 tons per day (t/d), 1,875 t/d and 4,670 t/d, respectively. "The remarkable increase in C02 concentration indicates anomalous gas release from the magma at depth."
Adding to this is the seven volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours recorded by the seismic network around the volcano compared to the six recorded Sunday, he said.
Also, water temperature slightly increased from 30.0 degrees Centigrade to 30.5 degrees Centigrade.
According to Solidum, result of the ground deformation survey (precise leveling) conducted around the Volcano Island last April 5-11, 2011 showed that the volcano edifice is slightly inflated as compared with the February 2-9, 2011 survey.
With the alert level 2, Phivolcs advises the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro (1965 -1977 Eruption Site) are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. Breathing air with high concentration of gases can be lethal to human, animals and even cause damage to vegetation.
Authorities are already conducting voluntary evacuation from these areas to evacuation centers designated by the local government of Batangas.
In addition, Phivolcs has reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended.
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