The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Thursday, May 27, that Taal Volcano generated steam plumes that reached as high as one kilometer (km).

In its latest volcano bulletin, Phivolcs said activity at Taal’s main crater was dominated by upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in its lake which generated plumes that reached 1000 meter tall before drifting to the north-northwest direction.

Meanwhile, the agency said its Taal Volcano Network did not detect any volcanic earthquake in the past 24-hour monitoring period.

However, it noted that low-level background tremor persisted since April 8.

Sulfur dioxide emission that averaged 1,263 tonnes/day was recorded on May 26, while temperature highs of 71.8 degrees Celsius and pH of 1.59 were last measured from the Main Crater Lake on March 4 and February 12, respectively.

With these factors in consideration, Phivolcs said Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 2 or “Increased Unrest” as phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur.

The agency warned the public against entry into the Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s permanent danger zone, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.

It also advised against occupancy and boating on Taal Lake.