A magnitude 4.2 earthquake jolted Camarines Sur province Sunday night, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.
The tremor, recorded at 6:51 p.m., was located 5 kilometers southeast of Canaman town, according to state seismologists. It was tectonic in origin with a depth of 4 kilometers.
Intensity V, which Phivolcs classifies as strong shaking, was felt in Canaman town, while Intensity IV was felt in Calabanga town.
Meanwhile, Phivolcs noted a significant decrease in the emission of sulfur dioxide of Taal Volcano in Batangas, from 23,576 tons on Friday to 9,154 tons on Saturday.
In its 24-hour observation, the Phivolcs on Sunday said the decrease was considered as “anomalously high.”
The Taal Volcano Network recorded six volcanic tremor events having duration of two to five minutes and a low-level background tremor that has persisted since July 7.
Activity at the main crater was dominated by upwelling of hot volcanic fluids at the Taal Lake which generated plumes 2,000 meters tall that drifted west-northwest.
Vog or volcanic smog was observed over Taal and its vicinity.
According to Phivolcs, the volcano island has begun inflating since August, while the Taal region continues to undergo very slow extension since 2020.
Alert level 2 (increased unrest) prevails over Taal Volcano, meaning to say sudden steam- or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas could occur and threaten areas within and around Taal Volcano Island.
Phivolcs prohibits the entry into Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s permanent danger zone, especially the vicinities of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, and occupancy and boating on Taal Lake.