PHIVOLCS: Phreatic eruption recorded at Taal Volcano

A phreatic eruption has been monitored at Taal Volcano in Batangas over the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Monday. 

The phreatic eruption lasted for a minute, PHIVOLCS said in its bulletin. 

A weak emission of plumes of up to 600 meters tall was observed from volcano and drifted to the northeast.

A volcanic earthquake was also recorded, PHIVOLCS said.

The volcano emitted 5,095 tons sulfur dioxide on August 8 and an upwelling of hot volcanic fluids was also observed in the Main Crater Lake.

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 added.

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.

PHIVOLCS prohibits the entry to the Taal Volcano Island and the permanent danger zone (PDZ), especially the vicinity of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.

Flying close to the volcano is also prohibited. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News