Taal Volcano phreatic eruption observed —PHIVOLCS

A phreatic eruption occurred at Taal Volcano in Batangas on Friday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

The phreatic eruption lasted seven minutes and 39 seconds long and was monitored during the period from 12 a.m. Friday to 12 a.m. Saturday.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) a phreatic eruption is a "steam-driven explosion" that happens when magma heats the ground or surface water.

No volcanic earthquakes however were reported.

Meanwhile, voluminous plumes rising up to 1,800 meters tall were observed. These drifted southwest, PHIVOLCS said.

On Oct. 16, the volcano emitted an average of 1,577 tons of sulfur dioxide. There was an upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake.

Taal Caldera has been observed to have long-term deflation. Meanwhile, the general northern and southern flanks of Taal Volcano Island exhibited short-term inflation.

Taal Volcano is still under Alert Level 1 (Low-level unrest) as of Saturday.

PHIVOLCS said entry into Taal Volcano Island, which is a permanent danger zone, is not allowed especially the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissures.

Likewise, occupancy and boating on Taal Lake is prohibited.

Flying aircraft close to Taal Volcano is hazardous and is also not allowed.

PHIVOLCS said Taal Volcano may still have steam-driven or phreatic or gas driven explosions, aside from volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas. —KG, GMA Integrated News