The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said there was no sign of an impending volcanic eruption at Taal Volcano, despite recording the second-highest sulfur dioxide emissions this year on Feb. 19.

In an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Tuesday, Feb. 20, Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said the high sulfur dioxide emission was not yet an indication of a possible eruption because a few more factors needed to be assessed before issuing a warning.

"Indikasyon lamang ito na patuloy ang degassing activity o patuloy na pag-rerelease ng gases mula sa magma chamber ng Taal Volcano (It is just an indication that there has been a continuous degassing activity or continuous release of gases from the magma chamber of Taal Volvano)," Bacolcol said.

"Hindi ito indikasyon na magkakaroon ulit ng volcanic eruption. Bukod sa volcanic gas emission, may tinitingnan na mga parameters bago masabi na ito ay sasabog ulit katulad ng pagdami ng lindol na sa ngayon ay hindi pa natin nakikita (This is not an indication that there will be a volcanic eruption again. Aside from volcanic gas emission, there are other parameters looked into before we can say that it will erupt including the increase of volcanic earthquakes, which is not yet relevant as of now),"  he added.

Based on the latest data of Phivolcs, no volcanic earthquake was recorded on Tuesday, while only one earthquake was observed on Monday.

Related story: 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/19/taal-volcano-records-second-highest-sulfur-dioxide-flux-in-202

Wearing of face masks

Bacolcol advised the public particularly the residents near the volcano to wear facemasks, as there were reports that there has been "unpleasant" smell from the SO2 in Bilibinwang and Banyaga in Agoncillo, Batangas.

"N95 kung maaari especially kung may masangsang silang maaamoy na galing sa asupre (It is better if the facemask to be used is N95 especially when there is unpleasant smell from the sulfur dioxide)," he said.

Meanwhile, if a huge amount of SO2 was inhaled, drinking lots of water should be done for the gases to be diluted, while the ones with medical conditions, especially in respiration, should see a doctor if needed, Bacolcol added.

Possibility for smog or 'vog'

Bacolcol also said there are still chances for volcanic smog to occur, with factors still to be considered for its formation.

"For as long as Taal Volcano is spewing out carbon dioxide, there's always this possibility na magkakaroon ulit ng vog, however, maraming factors bago mabuo ang vog, isa na rito ang lakas ng hangin at ang temperatura (For as long as Taal Volcano is spewing out carbon dioxide, there's always this possibility that vog can occur,  however, factors still are to be considered before it forms including wind strength and rates temperature), he said.

He added that currently, there is no vog formed,  as there is a strong wind around Taal area while he said that the SO2 may easily dissipate when it is rainy or when there are strong winds.