Minor phreatic eruption logged at Taal Volcano

October 21, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — A minor phreatic eruption was recorded at Taal Volcano in Batangas yesterday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said the phreatic eruption lasted eight minutes or from 1:37 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

“Locally called pusngat, this event produced a 2,000-meter-high plume that drifted southwest,” state volcanologists said.

Phivolcs said no volcanic earthquakes were recorded, but Taal emitted at least 1,256 tons of sulfur dioxide.

“An upwelling of hot volcanic fluids was observed at the main crater lake,” state volcanologists said.

The volcano remains under Alert Level 1.

Phivolcs said entry into Taal Volcano Island is prohibited, especially at the main crater and Daang Kastilla fissures.

Aside from Taal, state volcanologists are also monitoring Kanlaon on Negros Island after the volcano spewed ash  three times on Saturday morning.