Small phreatomagmatic burst recorded in Taal Volcano —PHIVOLCS

A small phreatomagmatic burst was recorded in Taal Volcano, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Wednesday.

The phreatomagmatic burst lasted for a minute, according to PHIVOLCS' monitoring of the volcano from 5 a.m. on Tuesday to 5 a.m. on Wednesday.

Taal Volcano remained at Alert Level 1, which means there is a low-level unrest.

A weak emission of plumes reaching up to 600 meters tall was observed over the volcano that drifted southwest, PHIVOLCS said.

Slight inflation was also observed on the Taal Volcano Island and Western Taal Caldera, while deflation on Eastern Taal Caldera

On December 5, PHIVOLCS said 2,115 tonnes of sulfur dioxide were released from the volcano.

On October 12, the Main Crater Lake was at 65.1 degrees Celsius with an acidity level of 0.76, PHIVOLCS added.

PHIVOLCS prohibited the entry into Taal Volcano Island or the Permanent Danger Zone especially the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissures, as well as the occupancy and boating on Taal Lake.

Flying any aircraft close to the volcano is also not allowed, according to PHIVOLCS.

PHIVOLCS also warned of possible hazards such as steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.  —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News