Phivolcs warns of looming Taal Volcano eruption

MANILA, Philippines — After state volcanologists noted an “increased seismic energy release,” the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) is warning the public of another possible eruption of Taal Volcano.

In an advisory yesterday, Phivolcs reported that the sharp increase in metrics, also called real-time seismic amplitude measurements or RSAM, and vigorous steaming from the main crater might lead to a phreatic or minor phreatomagmatic eruption of the volcano.

“Since 5:25 a.m. (of Sunday), stations of the Taal Volcano Network have been recording a pronounced increase in RSAM, simultaneous with continuing volcanic tremor,” Phivolcs said.

The agency has recorded 19 volcanic earthquakes since Aug. 9 as well as “moderate to voluminous plume from the Taal main crater since the start of RSAM increase based on visual observations.”

Phivolcs said Taal has been degassing low levels of sulfur dioxide since June, with emissions measured at an average of 374 tons per day on Friday.

Taal Volcano had a phreatomagmatic eruption on July 17, while authorities were in the middle of efforts to look for the remains of missing cockfight enthusiasts that were reportedly dumped in Taal Lake.

Phivolcs said Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1.

“At Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic or minor phreatomagmatic eruptions, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within Taal Volcano Island,” the agency said. 

Phivolcs advised the public to avoid entering the volcano’s main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, considered a permanent danger zone, and for local government units to continuously prepare for potential recurrence of increased sulfur dioxide emissions and their impact to communities.