Taal Volcano Records Two Minor Eruptions, Alert Level Remains Unchanged

Taal Volcano in Batangas experienced two minor phreatic to phreatomagmatic eruptions in the early hours of Thursday, resulting in ash emissions and incandescent ejecta. Despite these activities, the alert level remains at level 1, indicating no immediate threat of a larger eruption.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the eruptions occurred at 12:58 a.m. and again at 1:04 a.m., each lasting approximately two minutes as confirmed by seismic data and camera surveillance.

Both eruptions produced ash plumes that reached heights of up to 1,200 meters above the main crater before drifting southwest as observed via Daang Kastila thermal and Lower Calauit IP cameras. The second eruption also launched incandescent ballistic fragments some 300 meters above the lake surface.

Phivolcs' 24-hour monitoring report recorded five volcanic earthquakes, continued inflation of the volcano island, and sulfur dioxide emissions measured at 208 tons per day. The main crater lake's temperature remained elevated at 58.1°C, while its acidity level was extremely high at pH 0.3, reflecting sustained hydrothermal activity.

A minor plume rising approximately 600 meters was also noted drifting southwest from the crater area.

Despite these developments, Alert Level 1 remains in effect, signifying abnormal volcanic activity without an imminent eruption risk. Phivolcs emphasized the ongoing prohibition of entry to Taal Volcano Island, particularly around the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissures, due to the hazards posed by sudden steam-driven explosions and poisonous volcanic gases.

Residents near the volcano were advised to stay alert for potential ashfall and continued signs of unrest as monitoring continues.

"We urge the public to comply strictly with the ban on entry and remain prepared for any sudden changes in volcanic activity," Phivolcs stated.