PHIVOLCS: 2 phreatic eruptions reported in Taal Volcano

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

In its bulletin, PHIVOLCS said the phreatic eruptions lasted from four to seven 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 reaching up to 900 meters tall was observed from Taal Volcano. PHIVOLCS said it drifted to the southwest direction.

The volcano also emitted 2,064 tons of sulfur dioxide gas on Monday.

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 also monitored.

No volcanic earthquakes were recorded in Taal Volcano, according to PHIVOLCS.

Taal Volcano is still under Alert Level 1, which means the volcano is in abnormal condition and should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest nor ceased the threat of eruptive activity.

Under Alert Level 1, the possible hazards 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