Phreatic eruptions recorded anew in Taal Volcano

MANILA, Philippines — Four steam-driven eruptions were recorded in Taal Volcano yesterday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said the eruptions, which lasted for one to six minutes, were monitored at 7:03 a.m., 7:17 a.m., 7:18 a.m. and 7:54 a.m.

The events produced white steam-laden plumes that rose up to 300 meters and drifted southwest.

State volcanologists said the weak phreatic activity was likely driven by the emission of hot volcanic gas in the main crater.

“The background levels of volcanic earthquake activity and ground deformation detected in Taal indicate that unrest is unlikely to progress into a magmatic eruption,” Phivolcs said in an advisory.

Sulfur dioxide emissions slightly increased on Thursday at 2,346 tons per day. Average emissions this year were recorded at 8,766 tons per day.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, meaning that it is still under abnormal condition.

Phivolcs said sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can still occur.

Entry into Taal Volcano island, which is a permanent danger zone, particularly in the main crater and Daan Kastila fissure, is strictly prohibited.