Persistent tremors, increased gas emissions recorded at Taal Volcano
Taal Volcano (Phivolcs)
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday, Sept. 1 said persistent volcanic tremors and visible gas emissions have been recorded at Taal Volcano’s Main Crater since late August.
Visible degassing plumes were first observed on Aug. 29, as confirmed by recent footage from the Main Crater Volcano-Terrain Monitoring Center (VTMC) Station.
Phivolcs said the resumption of plume activity followed weak but continuous tremors that began on Aug. 27.
The agency also noted a sudden tenfold increase in sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions, which surged to 4,514 tons per day on Aug. 30.
Alert Level 1 (low-level unrest) remains in effect over Taal Volcano.
Phivolcs reminded the public to avoid entering Taal Volcano Island due to hazards that may arise from possible steam-driven or weak phreatomagmatic activity at the Main Crater.
It reiterated that sudden steam-driven or minor phreatomagmatic eruptions, ashfall, and dangerous accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gases remain possible, which could affect areas within Taal Volcano Island (TVI).
The public is strongly advised against entering TVI, particularly near the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, which are both designated permanent danger zones.