Light volcanic smog or vog observed over Taal volcano, says PHIVOLCS

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) observed the occurrence of light volcanic smog or vog over the Taal Caldera region on Wednesday.

The event, which the agency reported took place from 8:30 a.m. up to 1:30 p.m. and was recorded via IP camera shots at the Cuenca Observation Station, and the Taal Volcano Observatory-Buco Observation Station.

"Voluminous degassing produced a pronounced plume that rose 2400 meters above the Taal Main Crater before drifting to the southwest and south-southwest," the PHIVOLCS reported, adding that there is an increasing trend since last year.

"Time-series Sulfur Dioxide or SO2 emission from Taal Volcano for 2023 and (inset) since the 2020 eruption, showing an increasing trend (since August 2023). The latest SO2 measurement was at 10,933 tonnes/day on 08 January 2024," the agency said.

As of November 2023, Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1 (low level of volcanic unrest) and has been continuously degassing high concentrations of volcanic SO2 since March 2021, with emissions averaging 5,019 tonnes/day since September 2023.

At Alert Level 1, “sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within Taal Volcano Island”.

PHIVOLCS recommended prohibiting entry into the volcano’s Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and advised local government units to continuously monitor and assess volcanic SO2 and vog exposure of, and potential impacts on, their communities. — BAP, GMA Integrated News