Short-lived phreatomagmatic activity observed at Taal Volcano on Nov. 12
Screenshot from a time-lapse video shows a brief phreatomagmatic eruption at the Main Crater of Taal Volcano on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. The eruption lasted from 6:51 a.m. to 6:54 a.m., producing grayish plumes that rose up to 2,800 meters before drifting northeast. (Phivolcs Facebook page)
Taal Volcano produced a brief phreatomagmatic burst on Wednesday morning, Nov. 12, sending grayish plumes above the Main Crater, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
The three-minute event, from 6:51 a.m. to 6:54 a.m., generated plumes that rose up to 2,800 meters before drifting northeast, as captured by Phivolcs’ Lower Calauit (VTLC) and Napayong (VTNP) IP cameras.
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 a steam plume without the involvement of magma.
Phivolcs said the last phreatomagmatic activity at Taal Volcano occurred last month, when three phreatomagmatic bursts and one phreatic event were recorded at the northeastern portion of the Main Crater from the afternoon of Oct. 25 to early morning of Oct. 26.
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.