MANILA – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a minor phreatomagmatic eruption at Taal Volcano on Saturday, marked by a brief but notable emission of ash and steam.
According to Philippines News Agency, the eruption, which occurred at 11:32 a.m., lasted approximately four minutes, producing a dark jetted plume that subsequently transitioned into a steam-rich column rising 2,000 meters above the main crater and drifting southwest. Phivolcs explained that the eruption was likely triggered by the interaction of water with a shallow magma source beneath the Taal Main Crater, which has been emitting sulfur dioxide (SO2) for the past three years.
Despite the recent activity, the overall levels of volcanic earthquakes and ground deformation measurements suggest that the volcano is unlikely to progress to a major magmatic eruption at this time. Phivolcs has recorded 30 minor eruptive events since September 22, including five phreatic explosions on the same day as the latest eruption.
SO2 emissions have remained high, with an average of 3,276 tonnes recorded the day before the eruption and an ongoing average of 6,673 tonnes per day since January. The current Alert Level 1 status warns of the possibility of sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and hazardous volcanic gas emissions within the Taal Volcano Island (TVI).
The institute has reiterated warnings about the long-term health risks posed by high concentrations of volcanic SO2, particularly to communities around the Taal Caldera. It strongly advises against entry into TVI and the areas around the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissure, designated as the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).
Local governments are urged to maintain vigilance, assess community preparedness continually, and implement measures to mitigate potential hazards. Additionally, civil aviation authorities have been advised to caution pilots about flying near the volcano due to the risks posed by airborne ash and possible ballistic fragments from any sudden explosions.