PHIVOLCS: 3 short-lived phreatomagmatic bursts at Taal volcano

There were three short-lived phreatomagmatic bursts that were recorded at the main crater of Taal Volcano on Monday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

These bursts occurred at 8:11 a.m., 8:17 p.m. and the last was at 8:34 p.m. and these lasted from one to 5 minutes based on seismic signals.

The height of these plumes from the bursts reached between 200 meters to 1,500 meters based on thermal camera monitors.

So far, PHIVOLCS said, there have been six phreatomagmatic bursts recorded since November 15, 2021.

These events, the agency added, were likely driven by fracturing and gas release from resting magma beneath the Taal Volcano Island.

Alert Level 2 or increased unrest remains over Taal Volcano Island or TVI.

"Sudden steam- or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ash fall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around the TVI," PHIVOLCS said, adding that entry into Taal Volcano Island, Taal's Permanent Danger Zone (PGZ), especially the vicinities of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, and extended stay on the island must be strictly prohibited.

"Local government officials are advised to continually assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated areas around Taal Lake , in case of new unrest," the PHIVOLCS said.

Pilots should be advised by civil aviation officials to avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose as hazards to aircrafts. -- BAP, GMA News