The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded three weak “phreatic” or steam-driven events at Taal Volcano’s main crater on Friday evening, Aug. 2.
Phivolcs said the eruptions occurred between 7:15 p.m. and 7:23 p.m., each lasting approximately one minute.
The events generated steam-rich plumes that rose 900 meters above Taal Volcano Island.
Phivolcs reported a similar phreatic eruption at Taal Volcano on Thursday, Aug. 1.
This event occurred from 10:05 p.m. to 10:10 p.m. and, like Friday’s eruptions, was characterized by the release of steam and volcanic gases.
Phivolcs said Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, which means it is still in an abnormal state and should not be interpreted as having ceased unrest or the threat of eruptive activity.
It added that sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and potentially lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island (TVI).
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.
Phivolcs reminded the public that entry into TVI, which is a permanent danger zone, particularly near the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, is strictly prohibited due to ongoing hazards.