Taal Volcano had 2 phreatic eruptions —PHIVOLCS

Two phreatic eruptions were reported over Taal Volcano on Thursday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Friday.

In its bulletin, PHIVOLCS said the phreatic eruptions lasted up to two minutes.

It added that the volcano also emitted 3,276 tons of sulfur dioxide gas. An upwelling of hot volcanic fluids were also monitored in the Main Crater Lake.

A vog or volcanic smog was also observed.

A moderated emission of plumes of up to 2,000 meters tall were seen from Taal Volcano, which drifted to the north-northeast and southwest directions.

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.

No volcanic earthquake was recorded over the volcano.

On Wednesday, Taal Volcano had a phreatomagmatic eruption, which is a very explosive eruption caused by the contact of magma with water.

“The phreatomagmatic event was likely driven by sudden contact of water with a small branch of shallow magma that has been in place beneath the Taal Main Crater and that has been degassing sustained levels of SO2 for the past three years,” the PHIVOLCS said.

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.

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.

People are prohibited from entering the Taal Volcano Island, permanent danger zone or PDZ, especially the vicinity of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.

Flying close to the volcano is also prohibited. --VAL, GMA Integrated News