Phivolcs cautions vs. high SO2 emission in Taal

MANILA – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) advised the public on Saturday to take the necessary precautions, as high levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission have been observed in the Taal Volcano in the past two days.

The public is urged to protect themselves but Phivolcs is not necessarily advising them to opt for evacuation, Philvolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. confirmed to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

He, however, also noted that the threat of phreatic eruption or steam-driven explosion persists at alert level 2 (increased unrest).

In an advisory, Phivolcs said the highest SO2 emission ever recorded for Taal averaged 9,911 tons per day last June 10, and Solidum said the high SO2 emission persists.

“Peak measurements were obtained within a period of vigorous upwelling at the Main Crater Lake, which occurred continuously between 6 p.m. of June 9 and 10 a.m. of June 10, and generated 1.5-km.-tall steam plumes,” the advisory added.

Because of high levels of SO2 aerosol over the western Taal Caldera, residents in three barangays of the municipality of Agoncillo, Batangas – Banyaga, Bilibinwang, and Subic Ilaya – have experienced throat irritations and observed sudden dry-out or vegetation kill in crops, plants, and trees after a period of rain.

“These observations were reported to us by the municipal agricultural office and (are) currently under further investigation,” Phivolcs said.

This is unprecedented, according to Solidum.

The SO2 gas emissions from the Taal Main Crater have been measured by “campaign UV spectrometry” around the Taal Lake shore, based on the advisory.

The ultraviolet spectrometry instrument, he said, measures SO2 emissions and is transported on a vehicle that would run along the lakeside road around the Taal Lake to track the steam and gas plume.

Should these observations persist, Phivolcs said communities west and north of the Taal Volcano Island (TVI) may experience the effects of volcanic SO2.

This would cause eye, throat, and respiratory tract irritations, with severities dependent on the gas concentrations and duration of exposure, it added.

Phivolcs advises individuals to limit their exposure and move away from the area where volcanic gas can be sensed.

Stay indoors and close the doors and windows to block the volcanic gas.

They should also cover their nose, ideally with an N95 mask, Phivolcs said.

Drink plenty of water to reduce throat irritation and seek medical help when needed, it added.