A total of 102 earthquakes were recorded in Taal Volcano in the 24-hour monitoring of the restive volcano in Batangas.

Of this number, 87 episodes of volcanic tremors that lasted one to eight minutes were detected, based on the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology's (Phivolcs) volcano bulletin issued on Tuesday, March 23.

Phivolcs also observed "weak" emission of steam-laden plumes rising five meters.

It also measured a significant sulfur dioxide emission that averaged 1,013 tonnes/day last March 22, while temperature highs of 71.8 degrees Celsius and pH of 1.59 were measured from the main crater last March 4 and Feb. 11, respectively.

Ground deformation parameters also indicated a "very slow and steady inflation and expansion of the Taal region after the January 2020 eruption."

Considering these observations, Phivolcs said Taal Volcano will remain under Alert Level 2 due to "increased unrest." Its alert level has been raised from 1 to 2 on March 9.

The possibility of sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano island, it warned.

Phivolcs asked the public to avoid entering the volcano island, which is a permanent danger zone, especially the vicinities of the main crater and Daang Kastila fissure.

Local government units were advised to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest.

Civil aviation authorities were also asked to advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft.