Taal Volcano emits 12K tonnes of sulfur dioxide

The Taal Volcano in Batangas emitted a total of 12,260 tonnes of sulfur dioxide (SO2) on Saturday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported on Sunday morning.

In an advisory, PHIVOLCS said this emission was “dominated by upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in Taal Volcano’s lake.” This is one of the highest SO2 emissions this month, followed by the 19,463 tonnes on November 7 and 14,054 tonnes on November 6.

Taal Volcano also reported three volcanic tremor events that lasted two to three minutes, and generated a “moderate” 700-meter tall plume which drifted southwest.

Alert Level 2, which means “probable intrusion of magma at its depth can lead to magmatic eruption,” remains in effect over Taal Volcano, according to PHIVOLCS.

Entry  to Taal Volcano Island which is under the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is still prohibited. Occupancy and boating on Taal Lake, as well as flying any aircraft close to the volcano are also not allowed.

PHIVOLCS also reminded that hazards such as volcanic earthquakes, stream, phreatic, or gas-driven explosions, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas may occur. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA News