PHIVOLCS: 5 phreatic eruptions recorded at Taal Volcano

Five phreatic eruptions were reported over Taal Volcano in Batangas on Tuesday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Wednesday.

In its bulletin, PHIVOLCS said six volcanic tremors were also recorded lasting two to 10 minutes.

Taal Volcano had emitted 1,354 tons of sulfur dioxide gas on Monday. An "upwelling" of hot volcanic fluids were also observed in the Main Crater Lake, PHIVOLCS said. A moderate emission of plumes of up to 2,100 meters tall and drifting northeast were also monitored from the volcano.

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.

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 said.

The agency prohibited the entry into the Taal Volcano Island, permanent danger zone (PDZ), especially the vicinity of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure. —KBK, GMA Integrated