The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Monday, May 24, the activity at the Taal Volcano main crater was dominated by the upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in its lake which generated plumes that reached one-kilometer high.

Science and Technology Undersecretary and Phivolcs OIC Renato Solidum explained that the "hot gas heats up the groundwater that produces the steam."

He pointed out that the "gas source at Taal is magma at a shallow level."

In the past 24 hours, Phivolcs was not able to detect any volcanic earthquake but a low-level background tremor persisted since April 8.

Moreover, sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission remains high averaging 3,298 tonnes per day as recorded on Sunday, May 23.

Meanwhile, temperature highs of 71.8°C and pH of 1.59 were last measured from the main crater lake on March 4, 2021 and Feb. 12, 2021, respectively.

"Ground deformation parameters from electronic tilt, continuous GPS and InSAR monitoring continue to record a very slow and steady inflation and expansion of the Taal region that began after the January 2020 eruption," Phivolcs said.

These parameters continue to indicate a persistent magmatic activity at shallow depths beneath the Taal Volcano.

As it continues to show signs of elevated unrest, Taal Volcano's status remains under Alert Level 2.

The restive volcano in Batangas has been under Alert Level 2 since March 9, 2021.

"Sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around TVI," Phivolcs pointed out.

It reiterated that entry into the volcano island, which is a permanent danger zone, especially the vicinities of the main crater and Daang Kastila fissure, is strictly prohibited.