PHIVOLCS: 2 phreatic eruptions reported in Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano had two phreatic eruption events on Wednesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Thursday.

PHIVOLCS in its bulletin said the phreatic eruptions lasted five to nine 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.

Taal Volcano had a moderate emission of plumes of up to 900 meters tall, which drifted to the west-southwest and southwest directions.

The volcano emitted 1,577 tons of sulfur dioxide gas on Wednesday 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.

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.

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.

PHIVOLCS prohibits the entry to 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