The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded a "short-lived” phreatic or a steam-driven eruption in the Taal Main Crater on Wednesday, May 15.
This event was monitored by the Main Crater Observation Station (VTMC) at 1:45 p.m. and lasted approximately five minutes, producing a 500-meter-tall steam plume that drifted west-northwest.
During a 24-hour observation period from May 14 to 15, Phivolcs monitored no volcanic earthquakes.
However, it recorded 5,094 tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions per day since May 13 and observed a 1,200-meter-tall volcanic plume with moderate emissions before it drifted west-northwest.
Despite this event, Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1.
Under this alert level, Phivolcs prohibits entry into Taal Volcano Island, which is a permanent danger zone, especially around the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissures.
It also prohibits boating on Taal Lake.
Phivolcs added that flying any aircraft close to the volcano is not allowed.
It also warned the public about possible occurrences of steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.