PHIVOLCS: Taal Volcano erupts, Alert Level 1 remains

The Taal Volcano has erupted on Wednesday afternoon,the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has said. 

In an advisory later afternoon on Wednesday, Phivolcs said, "Ongoing eruption at Taal Volcano. Details to follow."  

Alert Level 1 remains hoisted over the volcano, the state seismologist added. 

The eruption is said to be phreatomagmatic, a very explosive eruption caused by the contact of magma with water.

“The phreatomagmatic event was likely driven by sudden contact of water with a small branch of shallow magma that has been in place beneath the Taal Main Crater and that has been degassing sustained levels of SO2 for the past three years,” the PHIVOLCS explained. 

Further, the eruption produced a “short black jetted plume followed by a steam-rich plume that rose up to 2,400 meters.” 

Sulfur dioxide emissions on Wednesday averaged 2,532 tonnes/day, the state seismologists added. 

READ | What to expect if Alert Level 3, 4, or 5 is raised over Taal Volcano — PHIVOLCS

There were five phreatic eruptions and six volcanic tremors that lasted up to 10 minutes recorded over the volcano on Tuesday.

Taal Volcano, nagkaroon ng pagsabog. @gmanewsbreaking @gmanews @dzbb pic.twitter.com/Mdp5ygTcH6

— peewee bacuño (@PeeweeBacuno) October 2, 2024

There have been 18 phreatic events recorded since September 22 in the volcano, according to PHIVOLCS. 

There were five phreatic eruptions and six volcanic tremors that lasted up to 10 minutes recorded over the volcano on Tuesday.

Under Alert Level 1, sudden phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas pose a threat within the Taal Volcano Island. 

Entry into the Taal Volcano Island and the permanent danger zone is prohibited and the vicinity of the volcano is a no-fly zone.

Taal Volcano last erupted in July 2021 and was placed under Alert Level 3. —NB, GMA Integrated News