Short-lived phreatomagmatic burst recorded at Taal Volcano —PHIVOLCS

A short phreatomagmatic burst was recorded at Taal Volcano on Monday night, PHIVOLCS said on Tuesday.

“A short-lived phreatomagmatic burst was recorded at 11:39 p.m. yesterday evening as a volcanic tremor event that lasted three minutes based on its seismic signal,” PHIVOLCS said in its 8 a.m. bulletin.

In the past 24 hours, PHIVOLCS recorded 10 volcanic earthquakes, including seven volcanic tremor events having durations of one to three minutes, three low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, and low-level background tremor that has persisted since July 7.

According to PHIVOLCS, it produced a single plume of 2,400 meters tall that drifted southwest.

At least 12,516 tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas were emitted from the volcano.

“Based on ground deformation parameters from electronic tilt, continuous GPS and InSAR monitoring, Taal Volcano Island has been inflating since August 2021 while the Taal region continues to undergo very slow extension since 2020,” PHIVOLCS said.

At present, Alert Level 2 is still in effect, in which sudden steam- or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around the Taal Volcano Island.

PHIVOLCS reminded the public that entry to Taal Volcano Island must be strictly prohibited.

Meanwhile, local government officials are also advised to continuously assess and intensify the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest.

“Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft,” PHIVOLCS added. — Richa Noriega/BM, GMA News