Taal Volcano had 3 small phreatic eruptions —PHIVOLCS

Three small phreatic eruptions were recorded in Taal Volcano in Batangas on Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Monday.

In its bulletin, PHIVOLCS said the small phreatic eruptions lasted one to three minutes.

PHIVOLCS defines phreatic eruption as “steam-driven explosion that occurs when water beneath the ground or on the surface is heated by magma, lava, hot rocks, or new volcanic deposits.”

Also, a volcanic tremor that lasted 10 minutes was observed at the volcano, according to PHIVOLCS.

Taal Volcano emitted 8,927 tons of sulfur dioxide gas on September 21 and there was also an upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in its Main Crater Lake.

A voluminous emission of plumes of up to 1,800 meters tall were observed from the volcano, which drifted to the north-northeast direction.

A long-term deflation of the Taal Caldera as well as a short-term inflation of the general northern and southeastern flanks of the Taal Volcano Island were also monitored.

Alert Level 1 (Low-Level Unrest) is maintained over the volcano, which means the volcano is still in abnormal condition and should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest nor ceased the threat of eruptive activity.

The possible hazards under Alert Level 1 are sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.

These hazards may threaten areas within the volcano island.

PHIVOLCS also warned the communities around Taal Caldera about the potential long-term health impacts of frequent exposure to high concentrations of volcanic SO2.

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.

Local governments should monitor and assess preparedness of their communities and undertake appropriate response measures to mitigate the hazards.

Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft, PHIVOLCS said. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA Integrated News