The Taal Volcano has continued to emit high levels of volcanic sulfur dioxide which caused a volcanic smog or “vog” over its vicinity, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
In the past 24-hour period, Phivolcs recorded high levels of sulfur dioxide emissions and steam-rich plumes that rose as much as two kilometers high and drifted southwest from Taal’s main crater.
“Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 6,685 tonnes/day on June 30, 2021. In addition, vog was observed over Taal Caldera,” the agency said in its volcano bulletin on Thursday, June 1.
Phivolcs noted that Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 2 or “Increased Unrest” as sudden steam- or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur.
The agency advised that entry must be strictly prohibited into the volcano island, Taal’s permanent danger zone, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, as well as occupancy and boating on Taal Lake.
On June 30, Phivolcs said that the volcanic sulfur dioxide from Taal Volcano has spread over Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, and Metro Manila.