Taal Volcano erupts in phreatomagmatic event

MANILA, Philippines — Taal Volcano erupted in a phreatomagmatic event at 7:34 p.m. on Monday, January 6, Phivolcs reported.  

Captured by the Lower Calauit Observation Station’s IP Camera, the eruption lasted for three minutes and produced a 600-meter plume. 

A phreatomagmatic eruption is driven by the direct interaction between magma and surface or groundwater. 

As opposed to phreatic eruptions, which are steam-driven and do not spew magmatic material, phreatomagmatic eruptions are violent and explosive.  

LOOK: A minor phreatomagmatic eruption from Taal Volcano Island's Main Crater at 07:34 PM today (6 January 2025), which generated a 600-meter plume, was captured by the IP camera of the Lower Calauit Observation Station (VTLC). This was accompanied by a volcanic tremor that… pic.twitter.com/lOi5yw4dOx

— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) January 6, 2025

Phivolcs warned the public earlier on Monday to remain proactive and vigilant due to a sudden spike in seismic activity since New Year’s Day.

RELATED: Taal Volcano exhibits increased volcanic activity, Phivolcs warns 

Alert Level 1, or low-level unrest, prevails over Taal Volcano. State seismologists said this still indicates abnormal activity, including increased sulfur dioxide emissions through continuous degassing. 

Phivolcs urged communities residing near Taal Volcano in Batangas to avoid entering the Permanent Danger Zone and to beware of potential hazards such as minor ashfall, volcanic earthquakes and expulsions of volcanic gas may occur.