Phivolcs observes 4 minor steam-driven explosions over Taal volcano
Phivolcs observes 4 minor steam-driven explosions over Taal volcano
MANILA, Philippines — Four minor successive phreatic or steam-driven eruptions were observed at the Taal Main Crater on Friday morning, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
In an advisory, the state seismologist said the phreatic eruptions occurred between 7:03 a.m. to 7:09 a.m., 7:17 a.m. to 7:18 AM, 7:52 a.m. to 7:54 a.m., and 7:57 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
READ: Phivolcs detects weak, steam-driven explosions in Taal volcano
Phivolcs explained the phreatic activity is likely driven by the “continued emission of hot volcanic gases at the Taal Main Crater and could be succeeded by similar events.”
“The event produced white steam-laden plumes that rose between 100 and 300 meters above the Main Crater before drifting southwest based on IP camera monitors,” the advisory read.
Phivolcs added the average sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from Taal Volcano since January this year remain high at 8,766 metric tons per day.
READ: Taal Volcano logs 12 earthquakes
It also reiterated that Taal Volcano remains under alert level 1, which indicates that it is still in an abnormal condition.
“At Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within TVI [Taal Volcano Island],” it said.
“Furthermore, degassing of high concentrations of volcanic SO2 continues to pose the threat of potential long-term health impacts to communities around Taal Caldera that are frequently exposed to volcanic gas,” it added.
Phivolcs reminded that entry to TVI, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, remain prohibited.