Taal Volcano emits 500-meter plume in brief phreatomagmatic event — Phivolcs
Time-lapse footage from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology shows a minor phreatomagmatic eruption at Taal Volcano’s main crater on Oct. 20, 2025. (Screen grab from Phivolcs Facebook page)
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a minor phreatomagmatic eruption at the main crater of Taal Volcano on Monday morning, Oct. 20.
Phivolcs said the eruption took place from 6:13 a.m. to 6:14 a.m., generating plumes that rose about 500 meters above the crater, as captured by the Main Crater IP camera.
A phreatomagmatic eruption happens when magma comes into contact with water, producing steam, ash, and fragmented volcanic material.
In contrast, a phreatic eruption occurs when water comes into contact with hot volcanic materials such as rocks or gases, which may only generate steam plume without the involvement of magma.
Phivolcs said Alert Level 1 remains in effect over Taal Volcano, which indicates abnormal activity but no imminent eruption.
However, the agency warned that sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations of volcanic gases may still occur in the main crater area.
The public is advised against entering Taal Volcano Island, particularly the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, due to the risk of sudden hazardous events.
Communities surrounding Taal Lake are also urged to remain vigilant.