Hot volcanic fluids still upwell in Taal Volcano; 2,100-meter plumes recorded

The upwelling of hot volcanic liquids in the main crater lake of Taal Volcano in Batangas still remains, while it emitted 2,100-meter tall of plumes, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Sunday.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, PHIVOLCS said that Taal Volcano generated 3,945 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on Saturday, August 13.

Aside from the hot volcanic liquids, volcanic smog or vog was also observed surrounding the volcano.

Voluminous plumes reaching up to 2,100 meters high were also recorded. These drifted south and southwest.

PHIVOLCS said there was a “slight inflation” of the Taal Volcano Island (TVI) and Western Taal Caldera, while the Eastern Taal Caldera had a “deflation.”

No volcanic earthquake nor low-level background tremor were also recorded in the volcano in the past 24 hours.

PHIVOLCS said Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1 for showing low-level unrest.

Despite this, PHIVOLCS reminded the public that entry into Taal Volcano Island, especially the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissures, is strictly prohibited.

Boating on Taal Lake, and flying any aircraft close to the volcano are likewise not allowed.

PHIVOLCS further warned that hazards such as steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ash falls, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas may occur at Taal Volcano. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA News