The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Saturday, March 26, raised the alert status over Taal Volcano to level 3, following a “nearly” continuous phreatomagmatic activity that triggered plumes of white steam.

“At 7:22 a.m., Taal Volcano Main Crater generated a short-lived phreatomagmatic burst which was followed by nearly continuous phreatomagmatic activity that generated plumes 1,500 meters accompanied by volcanic earthquake and infrasound signals,” Phivolcs said in its advisory.

Phreatomagmatic activity happens when hot magma comes into contact with groundwater.

Due to the volcano’s increasing unrest, Phivolcs raised the alert status of Taal Volcano from alert level 2 to alert level 3. It has been under alert level 2 since July 23, 2021.

“This means that there is magmatic intrusion at the Main Crater that may further drive succeeding eruptions,” Phivolcs said in raising the alert status of the active volcano in Batangas.

Phivolcs “strongly” recommended the evacuation of those In Taal Volcano Island and high-risk barangays of Bilibinwang and Banyaga, Agoncillo and Boso-boso, Gulod and eastern Bugaan East, Laurel in Batangas due to the possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami should stronger eruptions subsequently occur.

It also reminded the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a permanent danger zone, and entry into the island and high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel must be prohibited.

All activities on Taal Lake should not be allowed Phivolcs said.

Likewise, communities around the Taal Lake shores were advised to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures against possible airborne ash and vog or volcanic smog and calmly prepare for possible evacuation should unrest intensify.

“Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying over Taal Volcano Island as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and pyroclastic density currents such as base surges may pose hazards to aircraft,” Phivolcs said.