PHIVOLCS: 4 phreatic eruptions recorded at Taal Volcano in past 24 hours

The Taal Volcano in Batangas had four phreatic eruption events, which lasted for two to four minutes, in the past 24 hours even as the volcano remained under Alert Level 1, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Sunday.

The first two phreatic events occurred between 8:50 a.m. to 8:52 a.m. and 9:09 to 9:12 a.m. Saturday, PHIVOLCS said. A third similar event was recorded at 11:02 a.m. also on Saturday, it added.

Based on its latest bulletin, PHIVOLCS noted that 17 volcanic earthquakes, including six tremors (2-4 minutes long), also occurred at Taal Volcano from 12 a.m. on April 20, to 12 a.m. on April 21.

It also emitted a 1,200-meter tall plume, which is considered moderate to voluminous. It drifted southwest, west-southwest, and northwest.

The last time it released sulfur dioxide flux was on April 18, amounting to 2,104 tonnes. An upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the main crater lake was also observed then.

PHIVOLCS said that the Taal Caldera has a long-term deflation, while the general northern and southeastern flanks of the Taal Volcano Island have short-term inflation.

Taal Volcano is currently under Alert Level 1 due to low-level unrest.

Entry into Taal Volcano Island which is under the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and flying any aircraft close to the volcano are prohibited.

PHIVOLCS also warned that hazards such as steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas may occur at Taal Volcano. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA Integrated News