Bulusan, Taal volcanoes continue to emit plumes, sulfur dioxide, Alert Level 1 remains

Plumes and sulfur dioxide continue to be emitted from the Bulusan Volcano and Taal Volcano as they both remain under low-level unrest, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Sunday.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, PHIVOLCS showed that Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon generated 919 tonnes of sulfur dioxide (SO2) on July 15, while its “voluminous” plume reached 500 meters tall that drifted southwest.

Four volcanic earthquakes were also recorded in the Bulusan Volcano whose edifice is inflated, according to PHIVOLCS.

Meanwhile, Taal Volcano in Batangas emitted 3,645 tonnes of SO2 on July 15 and a “moderate” 1,500-meter tall plume which drifted southeast.

No earthquakes were recorded in Taal Volcano, but the Taal Volcano Island and Taal Caldera continue to be deflated, said PHIVOLCS.

Both the Bulusan Volcano and Taal Volcano are under Alert Level 1 which means they might have a “slight increase in volcanic earthquake and steam/gas activity, sporadic explosions from existing or new vents, notable increase in the temperature of hot springs, slight inflation or swelling of the edifice.”

PHIVOLCS warned that hazards such as steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, earthquakes, and minor ashfalls may occur at Taal Volcano, while there might be sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions at Bulusan Volcano.

Entry into their Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and flying any aircraft close to the volcano are also prohibited. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA News