PHIVOLCS: Phreatic burst recorded at Taal Volcano

A phreatic burst was reported over Taal Volcano on Thursday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

According to PHIVOLCS’ eruption notification, the burst started at 12:54 a.m. and ended at 12:56 a.m.

The eruption produced white plumes extending up to 250 meters, drifting in the southwest direction.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a phreatic burst or eruption is a "steam-driven explosion" that happens magma heats the ground or surface water.

The intense heat can cause water to boil and flash into steam, which results in an explosion of water, steam, rock and ash.

Phreatic bursts can also often precede, accompany or follow a more traditional volcanic eruption.

Alert Level 1 remained over Taal Volcano, which means low-level unrest, PHIVOLCS said.

In its bulletin released at 5 a.m., PHIVOLCS said one volcanic tremor that lasted three minutes was recorded.

A total of 7,480 metric tons of sulfur dioxide were emitted.

According to PHIVOLCS, there was also an upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake.

A voluminous emission of plumes reaching up to 2,400 meters was seen from the volcano, drifting in south and northeast directions.

A short-term inflation of the western Taal Volcano Island and a long-term deflation of the Taal Caldera were observed in the area, PHIVOLCS said.

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

Flying any aircraft close to the volcano is not allowed.

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