3 new phreatic eruptions monitored at Taal Volcano — PHIVOLCS

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has recorded more activity at Taal Volcano in Batangas after observing three phreatic or steam-driven eruptions Friday evening.

The development comes a day after PHIVOLCS reported a phreatic eruption at Taal.

The three new phreatic events lasted a minute each, recorded at 7:15 p.m., 7:19 p.m. and 7:23 p.m., the agency said in an advisory issued Saturday.

Three volcanic earthquakes were also recorded.

Taal emitted 3,309 tons of sulfur dioxide that created vog, or volcanic smog. Its plume rose 2,100 meters, drifting towards the southeast.

The PHIVOLCS bulletin also noted the long-term deflation of the Taal caldera, and the short-term inflation of the general northern and southeastern flanks of the Taal Volcano Island.

Alert level 1 remained over Taal Volcano, signifying low level of unrest.

Possible hazards under Alert level 1 are steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.

Entry into the Taal Volcano Island, particularly in the main crater and Daang Kastila fissures, remains strictly prohibited. The island has been identified as a permanent danger zone. Staying at Taal Lake is likewise barred.

Aircraft that fly close to the volcano, PHIVOLCS said, will be at risk of coming into contact with airborne ash and ballistic fragments. — VDV, GMA Integrated News