WATCH: Minor phreatomagmatic eruptions at Taal Volcano

State volcanologists observed minor phreatomagmatic eruptions at the Taal Volcano on Wednesday evening that caused plumes which rose as high as 600 meters above the crater.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) shared sped-up thermal camera footages of the eruptions at the main crater of Taal Volcano “based on seismic, infrasound, and thermal characteristics.”

The footages were recorded between 8:52 p.m. and 9:03 p.m. of April 29.

“These events generated plumes that rose 400 to 600 meters as captured from the Main Crater Observation Station (VTMC),” PHIVOLCS said.

Minor phreatomagmatic eruptions are small-scale volcanic eruptions resulting from interaction between magma and water.

Wednesday night’s minor phreatomagmatic eruptions came more than a week after a “very weak, minor phreatic eruption” at Taal Volcano on the evening of April 21, which also generated a 100-meter plume.

Earlier on April 10, a minor phreatomagmatic eruption occurred at Taal Volcano, which generated a 200-meter plume on the western and northern rims of the main crater.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1 or a low level of unrest.

Entry into Taal Volcano Island is prohibited as it is a permanent danger zone (PDZ), particularly the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissures. Also prohibited are occupancy and boating activities on Taal Lake. — JMA, GMA News