MANILA, Philippines - The number of tremors around Taal Volcano has lessened in the past 24 hours, a resident volcanologist of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Wednesday.

Allan Loza, resident volcanologist, said only 16 volcanic tremors were recorded around Taal Volcano for the past 24 hours, lesser than the 32 tremors recorded on Tuesday.

Loza said that despite the lesser volcanic earthquakes, the Phivolcs was not yet ready to lower the volcano's alert level.

He said the temperature measurement of Taal Volcano's main crater remained above normal at 34 degrees Celsius and there was also an indication of continuing magma movement due to ground deformation observed on the crater.

The Phivolcs raised the Alert Level 2 due to an increase in seismic activity and temperature readings around the volcano.

Loza said steaming activities at the northern and northeast sides of the main crater occasionally intensified, sometimes accompanied by audible hissing sounds.

The Phivolcs advised residents to avoid the hazardous "hot grounds and steam emissions" in portions of the Daang Kastila Trail.

It also reiterated that permanent residence in the whole volcano island is prohibited. – With a report from Ryan Chua, ABS-CBN News