Phreatic eruptions recorded in Taal anew

MANILA, Philippines — Phreatic eruptions were observed anew in Taal Volcano yesterday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

State volcanologists said steam-driven events were recorded in the main crater that lasted for two to three minutes at 8:50 a.m. and 9:09 a.m.

Phivolcs warned the public of another similar phreatic activity caused by the emission of hot volcanic gasses in the crater.

Despite the phreatic activity, state seismologists said the volcano’s unrest is not likely to progress into a magmatic eruption.

Phivolcs said sulfur dioxide emissions decreased in the past week. The flux recorded on Thursday averaged 2,104 tons per day.

White steam-laden plumes reached 350 meters and drifted west-southwest.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, which means that it is still in abnormal condition.

Phivolcs said the lowest alert level does not mean that the threat of increased seismic activity had ceased.

It warned the public of steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.

Entry into the permanent danger zone remains prohibited.

Local government units were urged to continuously assess community preparedness