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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Taal Volcano records second-highest sulfur dioxide flux in 2024

Taal Volcano records second-highest sulfur dioxide flux in 2024

Published Feb 19, 2024 08:02 am

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday, February 19, monitored the second-highest flux of sulfur dioxide (SO2) since January 2024.

Taal Volcano.jpeg
Taal Volcano (Juan Carlo de Vera/Manila Bulletin) 

In its latest bulletin, Phivolcs highlighted that the measurement of gas emissions from the Taal Main Crater revealed a daily output of 14,211 tonnes of SO2.

"A total of 14,211 tonnes/day of volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO2 gas emission from the Taal Main Crater was measured today, 19 February 2024, the second highest flux recorded this year," Phivolcs said in an update.

Phivolcs emphasized that since January 2024, Taal has consistently emitted an average of approximately 10,000 tonnes per day and has been continuously degassing voluminous concentrations of SO2 since 2021.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs also noted that volcanic earthquake activity in Taal has remained "weak", with only 18 volcanic earthquakes recorded since the start of 2024.

Most of these seismic events were attributed to tremors associated with volcanic gas activity.

 

Sulfur stench

 

Moreover, based on a report from the Batangas local government unit (LGU), residents of barangays Bilibinwang and Banyaga in the Municipality of Agoncillo reported a sulfur stench (a strong and very unpleasant smell of SO2).

"Nonetheless, moderate winds have prevented the accumulation of SO2 and no volcanic smog or vog over Taal Caldera was thus observed by visual monitors throughout the day," Phivolcs said.

 

Level 1

 

Furthermore, despite registering the second-highest SO2 flux, the said volcano has maintained its Alert Level 1 status.

Due to this alert level, the public is prohibited from entering the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) of Taal Volcano Island, particularly areas like the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissures.

Additionally, occupancy and boating on Taal Lake, as well as flying any aircraft close to the volcano, are strictly restricted.

The restrictions are imposed due to possible hazards, including steam-driven or phreatic explosions, gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.

"Furthermore, degassing of high concentrations of volcanic SO2 continues to pose the threat of potential long-term health impacts to communities around Taal Caldera that are frequently exposed to volcanic gas," Phivolcs said.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Phivolcs has advised LGUs to consistently monitor and assess volcanic SO2 exposure, along with potential impacts on their communities.

It also urged to undertake appropriate response measures to mitigate these hazards.

RELATED STORY:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/10/phivolcs-observes-light-smog-over-taal-volcano 

Related Tags

sulfur dioxide emission Taal Volcano Phivolcs
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