A “small” phreatomagmatic burst has been recorded in Taal Volcano early Friday, March 25, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Based on Phivolcs’ seismic records and visual cameras, the burst occurred at 2:26 a.m. and produced a 500-meter-high plume from Taal Volcano’s main crater.
A phreatomagmatic burst occurs when hot magma comes into contact with groundwater.
Likewise, in the past 24 hours, Phivolcs recorded two volcanic tremor events having durations of two minutes.
“The activity at the Main Crater was dominated by the upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in its lake which generated plumes 1,000 meters tall that drifted southwest. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 5,751 tons per day on 23 March 2022. Temperature highs of 63.7°C were last measured from the Main Crater Lake on 25 February 2022,” it added.
Phivolcs said that Taal Volcano remains under alert level 2, which means that the volcano continues to manifest "increased unrest." The volcano has been under alert level 2 since July 23, 2021.
It warned that gas-driven explosions and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and affect areas within and around the Taal Volcano Island.
Phivolcs reiterated that entry into the Taal Volcano Island, which is a permanent danger zone, especially the vicinities of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, is strictly prohibited.
Boating and other activities on Taal Lake are also prohibited, Phivolcs said.
"Local government officials are advised to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest," it added.