Phivolcs: Two phreatic eruptions occur at Taal Volcano within 24 hours

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has reported two “minor” phreatic eruptions at Taal Volcano in just 24 hours.
The first eruption occurred on Saturday, Feb. 15, between 9:42 p.m. and 9:46 p.m., followed by another on Sunday, Feb. 16, between 8:20 a.m. and 8:24 a.m.
Both events produced 900-meter-high plumes, as monitored through IP cameras located in Brgy. Buco in Talisay and Brgy. Barigon in Agoncillo, both in Batangas province.
These eruptions are classified as phreatic, which occurs when water comes into contact with hot volcanic materials, such as rocks or gases.
Phivolcs has maintained Alert Level 1, indicating that Taal Volcano remains in a state of “low-level unrest.”
It pointed out that there is still a possibility of sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, which could affect areas within Taal Volcano Island and the surrounding caldera.
Local government units in the vicinity are urged to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate measures to protect public health, especially regarding exposure to sulfur dioxide emissions, which can cause respiratory issues.