Since the afternoon of January 12 when Taal began spewing ash, 714 volcanic earthquakes were plotted by the Philippine Seismic Network. For the past 24 hours, 673 volcanic earthquakes, including 12 low-frequency tremors, were observed by the Taal Volcano Network, which can record small earthquakes undetected by the PSN. State weather bureau PAGASA said ash will be drifted to south and southwest of the main crater if the ash plume remains below five kilometers. “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,” Phivolcs said. Over 16,000 families or more than 70,000 are seeking temporary shelter in evacuation centers amid the ongoing volcanic activity.

Source: Philippine Star January 20, 2020 02:15 UTC