Taal Volcano had 2 phreatic eruptions — PHIVOLCS

Two phreatic eruption events were reported in Taal Volcano on Tuesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Wednesday.

In its bulletin, PHIVOLCS said the phreatic eruptions lasted two to 14 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,  according to PHIVOLCS.

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

The volcano emitted 2,064 tons of sulfur dioxide gas on Monday and its Main Crater Lake had an upwelling of hot volcanic fluids.

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 observed.

No volcanic earthquakes were recorded in Taal Volcano, PHIVOLCS said.

Alert Level 1 is maintained over Taal Volcano, which means the volcano is 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/RSJ, GMA Integrated News