3 phreatomagmatic bursts, 13 volcanic earthquakes recorded in Taal

Three more phreatomagmatic bursts were recorded in Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Friday.

In its report of its observation from 5 a.m. on Thursday to 5. a.m. Friday, PHIVOLCS said the phreatomagmatic bursts occurred at  10:39 a.m., 10:47 a.m., and 10:55 a.m.

A total of 13 volcanic earthquakes including three volcanic tremors that lasted two to three minutes were also recorded.

On Thursday, the volcano emitted 7,856 ton of sulfur dioxide, according to the PHIVOLCS.

From moderate emission, the plume coming from Taal Volcano rose up to 2,000 meters in voluminous emission before drifting southwest, it added.

PHIVOLCS warned of possible hazards including sudden explosive eruption, pyroclastic density currents or base surge, volcanic tsunami, ashfall, and accumulation of lethal volcanic gas.

As of Thursday, the  National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said a total of 7,237 people or 2,047 families were affected by the activity of Taal Volcano.

PHIVOLCS raised Alert Level 3, signifying magmatic unrest, over Taal Volcano on Saturday morning following "a short-lived phreatomagmatic burst."

On Tuesday, PHIVOLCS chief Undersecretary Renato Solidum Jr. said Taal Volcano may be downgraded to Alert Level 2, signifying increasing unrest, within the next two weeks if the situation improves.  —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News