PHIVOLCS: 2 phreatic eruptions reported in Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano had two phreatic eruptions on Monday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Tuesday.

In its bulletin, PHIVOLCS said the phreatic eruptions lasted from one to four minutes. 

Phreatic eruptions are steam-driven explosions that occur when water beneath the ground or on the surface is heated by magma, lava, hot rocks, or new volcanic deposits, PHIVOLCS said.

A moderate emission of plumes of up to 900 meters tall were observed from the volcano, which drifted to the southwest direction.

Eight volcanic earthquakes of up to two minutes long were also recorded over Taal Volcano. 

The volcano emitted 2,068 tons of sulfur dioxide gas on Saturday and an upwelling of hot volcanic fluids were monitored in its Main Crater Lake.

A long-term deflation of the Taal Caldera and a short-term inflation of the general northern and southeastern flanks of the Taal Volcano Island were likewise observed.

Alert Level 1 is maintained over Taal, 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. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News