Phreatic eruption recorded at Taal Volcano — PHIVOLCS

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has monitored a steam-driven or phreatic eruption at Taal Volcano in Batangas over the past 24 hours, the agency said Friday.

In its bulletin, the PHIVOLCS said the phreatic eruption lasted for five minutes.

A voluminous emission of plumes of up to 1,500 meters tall was observed from Taal Volcano and drifted to the southeast and southwest.

Two volcanic earthquakes were also recorded.

Taal emitted 1,709 tons of sulfur dioxide on July 29.

A long-term deflation of the Taal caldera, as well as short-term inflation of the general northern and southeastern flanks of the Taal Volcano Island were also observed, the PHIVOLCS said.

Alert Level 1 is maintained over the volcano, which means there is low-level unrest.

Under Level 1, the possible hazards are steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.

The agency prohibited the entry into 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. — VDV, GMA Integrated News