Minor eruption recorded at Taal Volcano

MANILA, Philippines — A minor phreatomagmatic eruption occurred at Taal Volcano in Batangas on Friday night, according to the Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said the eruption at the main crater was captured by a thermal camera of the Daang Kastila Observation Station between 7:11 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. and generated plumes that rose about 900 meters.

At the Calauit Observation Station, volcanologists detected a precursory signal six minutes before the eruption.

Phivolcs said that Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1 or low-level unrest wherein sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions may occur, particularly within the main crater.

Entry into Taal’s permanent danger zone, particularly at the main crater and volcano island, remains prohibited.

Pilots have been advised to avoid flying near the summit of Taal as ash and steam plumes are hazardous to the aircraft.

Meanwhile, in Albay, family food packs have been prepositioned in several warehouses of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in preparation for the possible eruption of Mayon Volcano.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said he visited Albay on Thursday to assess the situation and determine the needs of people affected by the volcano’s increasing activity.

He assured local officials and residents that family food packs stored in different warehouses in Albay are sufficient.

On Tuesday, Phivolcs placed Mayon under Alert Level 3 after the volcano showed intensified unrest. — Jose Rodel Clapano