PHIVOLCS: 4 phreatic eruptions recorded in Taal Volcano

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Thursday it observed weak phreatic activity in the Taal Volcano.

PHIVOLCS said it recorded four minor successive phreatic or steam-driven eruptions that produced white steam-laden plumes reaching up to 300 meters above the Taal Main Crater between 8:54 a.m. up to 5:38 p.m.

According to a 24 Oras report on Thursday, there had already been 10 phreatic eruptions of the Taal Volcano over the month, but there was no indication of a stronger explosion.

The sulfur dioxide emissions increased to 5,094 tonnes per day on May 13, while the average emissions remain high since January.

“Weak phreatic activity is likely driven by the continued emission of hot volcanic gases at the Taal Main Crater and could be succeeded by similar events. The background levels of volcanic earthquake activity and ground deformation detected at Taal indicate that unrest is unlikely to progress into magmatic eruption,” the agency said.

Taal Volcano remains at Alert Level 1, wherein sudden phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas may occur.

PHIVOLCS reminded the public that entry inside the volcano’s Permanent Danger Zone is prohibited.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News