The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) observed increased degassing activity in Taal Volcano, resulting in "hazy" conditions and the potential formation of volcanic smog or "vog" in nearby communities.
Based on the volcano bulletin released by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) at 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, Taal Volcano emitted 11,072 tons per day of volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas from the Taal Main Crater.
This surpassed the average of 8,294 tons per day recorded this year.
Phivolcs noted that continuous degassing of voluminous concentrations of SO2 from Taal has been observed since 2021.
Due to the degassing activity, hazy conditions have been reported over Alitagtag, Tingloy, San Nicolas, Laurel, Taysan, Lobo, and Batangas City in Batangas province.
Similar hazy conditions were observed during field surveys in Agoncillo, Lemery, Taal, Santa Teresita, Alitagtag, Cuenca, Lipa, Balete, and Malvar, also in Batangas province.
Citing forecasts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Phivolcs warned that a probable weakening of wind in the coming days may lead to the accumulation of SO2 and the formation of vog over the Taal region.
It pointed out that prolonged exposure to volcanic SO2 can irritate the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract, particularly for individuals with preexisting health conditions, such as asthma, lung disease, heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women, and children.
Phivolcs advised communities at risk of volcanic SO2 contact to limit exposure.
“Avoid outdoor activities, stay indoors, and shut doors and windows to block out volcanic gas,” it said.
“Protect yourself by cover[ing] your nose, ideally with an N95 facemask. Drink plenty of water to reduce any throat irritation or constriction. If belonging to the particularly sensitive group of people above, watch over yourself and seek help from a doctor or the barangay health unit if needed, especially if serious effects are experienced,” it added.
Phivolcs reminded the public that Alert Level 1 is in effect for Taal Volcano, signifying abnormal conditions and the persistent threat of eruptive activity.
Under Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas may occur and pose a risk to areas within the Taal Volcano Island (TVI).
Furthermore, the continuous degassing of high concentrations of volcanic SO2 remains a concern, potentially leading to long-term health impacts for communities around the Taal Caldera that are frequently exposed to volcanic gas.
Phivolcs recommended the strict prohibition of entry into TVI, which is Taal’s permanent danger zone, particularly around the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.
Local government units were also advised to monitor and assess volcanic SO2 exposure and its potential impacts on their communities and undertake appropriate response measures to mitigate these hazards.