2 ‘short-lived’ phreatic eruptions recorded at Taal Volcano

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Saturday that Taal Volcano in Batangas experienced two "short-lived" phreatic eruptions.

According to the state seismologist, a phreatic eruption is a steam-driven explosion that occurs when water, either below the ground or on the surface, is heated by magma, lava, hot rocks, or fresh volcanic deposits.

The two minor successive phreatic or steam-driven events were described as "weak phreatic activity," based on the 11 a.m. Taal Volcano advisory.

The minor eruptions occurred between 8:50 a.m. and 9:12 a.m., as monitored by the Main Crater (VTMC) observation station.

It generated steam plumes reaching up to 350 meters in height, drifting towards the west-southwest and southwest directions.

Phivolcs said that the "phreatic events were likely driven by the continued emission of hot volcanic gases at the Taal Main Crater and could be succeeded by similar phreatic activity." 

"The background levels of volcanic earthquake activity and ground deformation detected at Taal indicate that unrest is unlikely to progress into magmatic eruption," it added.

Alert Level 1 remains in effect for Taal Volcano, signifying ongoing abnormal conditions and the persistent threat of eruptive activity.

Phivolcs warned that sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur, posing serious health and safety risks.

It also advised against visiting Taal Volcano Island, particularly the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissures.

"Civil aviation authorities must 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 aircrafts," the state seismologist said.