WATCH: Taal Volcano minor phreatic eruption observed

The Taal Volcano in Batangas had a minor phreatic eruption on Saturday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.

The eruption from the volcano's main crater lasted three minutes and 27 seconds long, PHIVOLCS said in its bulletin Sunday.

A weak plume rose from the crater and reached 900 meters high before drifting southwest.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) a phreatic eruption is a "steam-driven explosion" that happens when 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. During phreatic eruptions, however, no new magma is produced, only fragments of preexisting solid rock from the volcano.

Three volcanic tremors lasting from four to 12 minutes were also recorded on Saturday at the volcano.

Taal Volcano emitted 407 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on Saturday.

PHIVOLCS said Alert Level 1 (Low-level unrest) remains in effect at Taal Volcano.

It reiterated that entry into Taal Volcano Island, a permanent danger zone, especially the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissues, is not allowed.

Likewise, occupancy and boating on Taal Lake is prohibited.

Pilots are advised not to fly aircraft close to the volcano.

PHIVOLCS said Taal Volcano may pose hazards such as:

• steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions;
• volcanic earthquakes;
• minor ashfall; and
• lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.

—KG, GMA Integrated News