The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Monday, April 29 that it observed another phreatic, or steam-driven, eruption at the Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours.
Phivolcs’ 24-hour observation of the Taal Volcano revealed a two-minute phreatic eruption on Sunday, April 28, which produced a “weak” emission that reached 600 meters in height before drifting north-northwest.
Five volcanic earthquakes were also recorded, including two volcanic tremors that lasted two to three minutes.
Phivolcs also observed an ongoing upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the main crater lake.
Alert Level 1 stays
Phivolcs explained that Taal Volcano remains on Alert Level 1, indicating that it is still in an abnormal state and should not be interpreted as having ceased unrest or the threat of eruptive activity.
Phivolcs added that sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, small amounts of ashfall, and potentially fatal buildups or releases of volcanic gas are all potential threats to Taal Volcano Island (TVI) at Alert Level 1.
It also warned the public that the degassing of high concentrations of volcanic SO2 may pose long-term health risks to communities around Taal Caldera, which are frequently exposed to volcanic gas.
Permanent danger zone
Phivolcs reiterated that entering TVI, Taal’s permanent danger zone, particularly near the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, is strictly prohibited.
“Local governments should continuously monitor and assess their communities’ preparedness, as well as implement appropriate response measures, to mitigate hazards posed by long-term degassing and related phreatic activity,” it said.
“Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano because airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions, as well as wind-remobilized ash, can pose a threat to aircraft,” it added.
Phivolcs last observed a phreatic eruption at Taal Volcano on April 20.
RELATED STORY: https://mb.com.ph/2024/4/20/phivolcs-records-fourth-short-lived-phreatic-eruption-at-taal-on-april-20-1