Minor phreatic eruption recorded in Taal Volcano

A minor phreatic eruption event was reported in Taal Volcano on Saturday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

Based on the PHIVOLCS bulletin, the phreatic eruption lasted six 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. 

A total of four volcanic earthquakes, including three volcanic tremors that lasted 2 to 6 minutes, were also recorded. 

The volcano emitted 6,307 tons of sulfur dioxide gas and an upwelling of hot volcanic fluids was also observed in its Main Crater Lake.

Moreover, voluminous plumes reaching up to 1,200 meters tall were observed from Taal Volcano, which drifted to the southwest direction.

A long-term deflation of the Taal Caldera as well as short-term inflation of the general northern and southeastern flanks of the Taal Volcano Island were 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 activit

A minor phreatic eruption also occurred in Taal Volcano on Friday, November 29. 

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. 

—Sherylin Untalan/ VAL, GMA Integrated News