Taal generates 6 phreatomagmatic bursts in 2 days

MANILA, Philippines — Six phreatomagmatic bursts were recorded in Taal Volcano network since Wednesday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said five short phreatomagmatic bursts occurred on Wednesday, and another yesterday morning.

On July 7, bursts occurred at 8:47, 9:15, 9:26, and 11:56 in the morning as well as 9:41 p.m. Another burst was recorded 6:47 a.m. yesterday. The bursts produced short-jetted plumes that rose up to 700 meters at the volcano’s main crater lake.

The agency also recorded a total of 60 volcanic earthquakes, including five explosion-type earthquakes. This included 24 low frequency volcanic earthquakes and 21 volcanic tremors ranging from two to four minutes. There were also 10 hybrid earthquakes and low-level background tremors.

High levels of solar dioxide emissions were again noted in the volcano network, producing steam plumes that rose 1,500 meters. The SO2 emissions averaged 11,397 tons per day on Wednesday.

Taal Volcano is still on Alert Level 3, which means an explosive eruption could be driven by magma extrusion.

Phivolcs prohibited the entry into the island and the high-risk barangays in Agoncillo and Laurel due to threats of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami that could occur with a strong eruption.