Taal Volcano had phreatic eruption —PHIVOLCS

A phreatic eruption was reported over Taal Volcano in Batangas on Sunday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Monday.

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

Taal Volcano had emitted 1,510 tons of sulfur dioxide gas on Saturday and an upwelling of hot volcanic fluids were also observed in the Main Crater Lake, PHIVOLCS said.

A moderate emission of plumes of up to 700 meters tall were monitored from the volcano, which drifted to the 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 observed.

No volcanic earthquake was recorded on Sunday, according to PHIVOLCS.

Alert Level 1 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.

Possible hazards under Alert Level 1 include 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 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. —KBK, GMA Integrated News