Taal Volcano had 2 phreatic eruptions —PHIVOLCS

Two phreatic eruption events were monitored at Taal Volcano which is located in Batangas province, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Wednesday.

In its latest bulletin, PHIVOLCS said the phreatic eruptions lasted for 5 to 9 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” 1,500-meter tall plume was also emitted by Taal Volcano, drifting southeast.

On Saturday, October 19, the volcano released 1,256 tonnes of sulfur dioxide flux. Upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the main crater lake was also observed.

Taal Volcano is currently under Alert Level 1 with a "low-level unrest."

Entry into Taal Volcano Island which is considered a permanent danger zone, and flying any aircraft close to the volcano are prohibited.

Hazards such as steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas may also occur. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA Integrated News