
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a phreatic eruption at Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours, but the volcano remains at Alert Level 1, indicating “low-level unrest.”
In its volcano bulletin on Friday, Aug. 2, Phivolcs said a five-minute-long phreatic eruption at Taal Volcano took place from 10:05 p.m. to 10:10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, and was accompanied by two volcanic earthquakes.
Phivolcs added that the eruption produced a voluminous plume that rose 1.5 kilometers above the main crater.
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.
Phivolcs 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.