PHIVOLCS: Phreatic eruption, volcanic tremor recorded at Taal Volcano

A phreatic eruption and a volcanic tremor were recorded at the Taal Volcano over the weekend, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Sunday.

At 10:31 a.m. last April 13, the volcano expelled 4,709 tones of sulfur dioxide. According to PHIVOLCS, the phreatic eruption lasted for four minutes while the volcanic tremor had a duration of six minutes. Cameras captured a 600 meter-tall steam plumes that drifted west-northwest.

The agency also observed the upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake.

PHIVOLCS said Taal has had five phreatic eruptions since Friday.

Taal Volcano is currently at Alert Level 1 or low-level unrest.

PHIVOLCS reminded the public that entry into Taal Volcano Island is prohibited, particularly in the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissures.

Furthermore, aircraft are have been advised not to fly close to the volcano.

The agency also warned of sudden steam or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, slight ashfall and toxic accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.—RF, GMA Integrated News