PHIVOLCS: Taal Volcano emits over 14K tonnes of SO2

The Taal Volcano released more than 14,000 tonnes of volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) on Monday — its second highest gas emission recorded in 2024.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said 14,211 tonnes/ day of volcanic SO2 was monitored from the Taal Main Crater, higher than its average gas emission of around 10,000 tonnes/ day since January.

The smell of sulfur was reported in two barangays in Batangas, with the provincial government saying that residents of the Agoncillo town first reported the odor in their locality.

However, PHIVOLCS said no volcanic smog or vog was monitored over the Taal Caldera as moderate winds prevented the accumulation of SO2.

Volcanic earthquake activities likewise remained weak with only 17 volcanic earthquakes recorded this year.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1 (low level of volcanic unrest). It has been continuously degassing high concentrations of volcanic SO2 since March 2021.

PHIVOLCS said that, “at Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within Taal Volcano Island”.

The agency likewise recommended prohibiting entry inside the volcano’s Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and advised local government units to continuously monitor and assess volcanic SO2 and vog exposure of, and potential impacts on, their communities.—RF, GMA Integrated News