Taal Volcano’s sulfur dioxide emission increased to 9,623 tonnes

The sulfur dioxide emission from Taal Volcano increased from 4,472 tonnes on Monday to 9,623 tonnes on Thursday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported Friday.

Based on PHIVOLCS’ latest bulletin, the plumes from the volcano also grew from 900 meters to 1,500 meters, which drifted to the northwest and north-northwest directions.

One volcanic earthquake was also recorded in Taal Volcano.

PHIVOLCS also reported an upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake.

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

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1 due to low-level unrest.

Entry to Taal Volcano Island (Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ) remains prohibited, especially the main crater and Daang Kastila fissures, as well as occupancy and boating on Taal Lake.

Flying any aircraft close to the volcano is also 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.

Last week, two phreatic bursts were reported in Taal Volcano.

A phreatic burst or eruption is a "steam-driven explosion" that happens when magma heats the ground or surface water, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News