PHIVOLCS: Taal Volcano had 2 phreatic bursts in past 24 hours

Two phreatic bursts were reported in Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Friday.

A phreatic burst or eruption is a "steam-driven explosion" that happens when magma heats the ground or surface water, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The intense heat can cause water to boil and flash into steam, which results in an explosion of water, steam, rock and ash.

Phreatic bursts can also often precede, accompany or follow a more traditional volcanic eruption.

PHIVOLCS said Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin, PHIVOLCS said nine volcanic earthquakes, including five volcanic tremors, which lasted up to two minutes duration, were also observed in the volcano.

A total of 7,480 metric tons of sulfur dioxide were emitted on Wednesday.

A voluminous emission of plumes reaching up to 2,400 meters was seen from Taal Volcano, drifting in southwest and northeast directions.

A short-term inflation of the western Taal Volcano Island and a long-term deflation of the Taal Caldera were also observed in the area, PHIVOLCS said.

PHIVOLCS prohibits entry into Taal Volcano Island (Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ), especially the main crater and Daang Kastila fissures, and occupancy and boating on Taal Lake.

Flying any aircraft close to the volcano is also not allowed.

PHIVOLCS warned of possible hazards such as steam-driven, phreatic, or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas. — Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News