Taal Volcano logs minor phreatic eruption on Tuesday

MANILA, Philippines — Taal Volcano in Batangas logged a minor phreatic eruption early Tuesday, which released a plume that rose 300 meters from its crater, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). 

Phivolcs said that the minor phreatic eruption occurred at 12:29 a.m.

“The event generated a plume that rose 300 meters above the crater as recorded by the Daang Kastila (VTDK) thermal camera,” Phivolcs said in a Facebook post. 

READ: Taal Volcano records 2 minor phreatic eruptions, spike in quakes

Meanwhile, in a separate 24-hour activity monitoring from 12 a.m. on Monday to 12 a.m. on Tuesday, the seismology bureau said the volcano recorded eight volcanic earthquakes, including six volcanic tremors. The volcanic tremors, or the continuous seismic signal, lasted from six to nine minutes. 

The volcano’s sulfur dioxide emission was last recorded on October 16, with 448 tons. 

READ: Taal Volcano sulfur dioxide emissions drop sharply

As the volcano remained under Alert Level 1, which signifies low-level unrest, Phivolcs still prohibited entry into Taal Volcano Island or the permanent danger zone, especially the main crater and Daang Kastila fissures. Flying any aircraft close to the volcano is also not allowed. 

The bureau then warned nearby communities of possible hazards such as steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas. /jpv