Taal Volcano in Batangas is still emitting high levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) causing hazardous volcanic smog or "vog" in the vicinity, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Tuesday, Aug. 24.

Phivolcs said Taal's SO2 emission averaged 8,577 tons per day on Aug. 23.

Moreover, it was observed that the activity at the main crater was dominated by the upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in its lake which generated plumes 3,000 meters high before drifting southwest.

In the past 24 hours, Taal Volcano logged 42 volcanic earthquakes, including six volcanic tremor events having durations of two minutes, 36 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, and low-level background tremor that has persisted since July 7.

Due to Taal Volcano's recent activity, Phivolcs has been warning those living in communities surrounding Taal Lake to protect themselves from the vog.

People particularly sensitive to such ill effects are those with underlying health conditions such as asthma, lung disease, and heart disease, as well as the elderly, pregnant women, and children.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 2, which means that sudden steam- or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around the volcano island.

Phivolcs reminded the public that entry into the Taal Volcano Island, especially the vicinities of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, is strictly prohibited.

Boating on Taal Lake must also be prohibited, it added.