PHIVOLCS: Taal Volcano eruption unlikely

After emitting over 14,000 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on Monday, Taal Volcano is unlikely to have an eruption anytime soon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

In a public briefing on Tuesday, PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol said that there were no other present indicators that may lead to an eruption of Taal Volcano.

“Bukod sa volcanic gas emissions, may tinitignan tayong ibang mga parameters bago masasabi na ito ay sasabog ulit, katulad ng pagdami ng lindol na sa ngayon di pa natin nakikita,” said Bacolcol.

(Other than volcanic gas emissions, we are also looking at other parameters before we can say that it will erupt again, such as the increase in earthquakes that we still have not observed.)

He added his agency was only able to record one volcanic earthquake for the past nine days.

Despite this, Bacolco noted the formation of volcanic smog or vog is possible as long as the volcano is releasing gas.

“Inidikasyon lamang [ang sulfur emissions] na patuloy pa rin ang degassing activity o pagre-release ng gases mula sa magma chamber ng Taal Volcano… For as long as Taal Volcano is spewing out sulfur dioxide, there is always the possibility na magkakaroon ulit ng vog,” he said.

([Sulfur Emissions] are only an indication that degassing activity or release of gasses from the magma chamber of the Taal Volcano continues… For as long as Taal Volcano is spewing out sulfur dioxide, there is always the possibility that there will be vog.)

“However, marami pong factors [to consider] bago mabuo ang vog. Isa na dito ang lakas ng hangin at temperature. Sa ngayon, malakas ang hangin sa Taal area kaya wala po tayong nabubuong vog. Ang sulfur dioxide naman ay madaling madissipate, lalo na pag maulan o malakas ang hangin,” he added.

(However, there are many other factors [to consider] before vog forms. One of these is the strength of the wind and temperature. Right now, the wind is strong in the Taal area, so vog is not forming. Sulfur dioxide, meanwhile, is quick to dissipate, especially if it’s rainy or there’s strong winds.)

|Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, while residents living nearby have been advised to wear N95 face masks due to the presence of sulfur.

Meanwhile, Mayon Volcano remains under Level 2 since Dec. 8, 2023.

Alert Level 1 has been maintained for Kanlaon Volcano since March 2020, while Bulusan Volcano also remains at Alert Level 1 since October 2023.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News