MANILA, Philippines — The latest update released by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) late Thursday on Taal Volcano’s activity has been generally characterized by weak emission of steam-laden plumes 800 meters high from the Main Crater that drifted to the general southwest.

A total of nine (9) discrete weak explosions were recorded by the Taal Volcano Network the Philvolcs said.

No additional fissures were mapped and reported.

Existing ones are in the identified barangays of Lemery, Agoncillo, Talisay, and San Nicolas in Batangas Province as indicated in the January 15, 2020 5:00 PM update.

Receding of Taal Lake water has been observed in Talisay, Laurel, Alitagtag and Lemery in Batangas Province.

The Philippine Seismic Network plotted a total of five hundred ninety-five (595) volcanic earthquakes since 1:00 PM, January 12, 2020.

One hundred seventy-six (176) of these were felt with intensities ranging from Intensity I to V. Since 5:00 AM to 3:00 PM today, there were thirty (30) volcanic earthquakes plotted, including one (1) earthquake which was felt at Intensity I.

This signifies continuous magmatic intrusion beneath the Taal edifice, which may lead to further eruptive activity.

However, Alert Level 4 still remains in effect over Taal Volcano.

This means that hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days.

DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly reiterates total evacuation of Taal Volcano Island and high-risk areas as identified in the hazard maps within the 14-km radius from Taal Main Crater and along the Pansipit River Valley where fissuring has been observed.

Residents around Taal Volcano are advised to guard against the effects of heavy and prolonged ashfall. Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid the airspace around Taal Volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from the eruption column pose hazards to aircraft. DOST-PHIVOLCS is continually monitoring the eruption and will update all stakeholders of further developments. (IAMIGO/Currentph.com)