Phreatic eruption, volcanic quake observed at Taal — PHIVOLCS

A phreatic or steam-driven eruption and a volcanic earthquake were recorded Friday at Taal Volcano in Batangas, state volcanologists reported.

In its monitoring bulletin released 8 a.m. Saturday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said the phreatic eruption lasted two minutes.

The volcano has been emitting 2,256 tons of sulfur dioxide daily, with an upwelling of hot volcanic fluids to Taal Lake.

Its robust volcanic plume rose 2,400 meters, drifting to the northwest, north northwest, and westward directions.

A large area of the Taal Caldera remained deflated, while temporary swelling was seen at the north and southeast sections of the Taal Volcano island.

Taal Volcano is still under Alert Level 1, which means it is in abnormal condition and should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest nor ceased the threat of eruptive activity.

The possible hazards under Alert Level 1 are sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.

People are prohibited from entering the Taal Volcano Island, permanent danger zone or PDZ, especially the vicinity of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure. Flying close to the volcano is also prohibited.

Last Thursday, the PHIVOLCS released moving images of a minor phreatic eruption from the main crater of Taal Volcano. The event was captured by thermal camera at the Daang Kastila Observation Station (VTDK) and by IP camera at the Taal Volcano Observatory (TVO) in Barangay Buco, Talisay, Batangas.

The event was recorded at 7:21 a.m. on Oct. 10 and produced a 2,800-meter high eruption plume that drifted southwest.

Last Thursday, the PHIVOLCS reported that vog or volcanic smog was monitored, primarily concentrated over the Taal Caldera region. Vog is composed of sulfur dioxide gas and other volcanic gasses which mix with atmospheric oxygen, moisture, dust, and sunlight.

Afternoon face-to-face classes were suspended in three towns in Batangas due to vog.

The recent smog observed in Metro Manila, the PHIVOLCS said, was not because of Taal's activity but was due to pollution. — VDV, GMA Integrated News