Phivolcs sees no major eruption amid Taal unrest

UNREST. Footage of the phreatomagmatic eruption reported of the Taal Volcano at 5:58 a.m. on Tuesday (Dec. 3, 2024). The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) assured the public that Taal Volcano’s current unrest is unlikely to progress into a major magmatic eruption. (Screengrab via Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council Talisay Batangas/Facebook)

By Marita Moaje, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Taal Volcano’s current unrest is unlikely to progress into a major magmatic eruption, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Tuesday.

“The background levels of volcanic earthquake activity and localized ground deformation detected at Taal indicate that unrest is unlikely to progress into a major magmatic eruption at this time,” the state seismology agency said in an advisory.

This came as a minor phreatomagmatic eruption of the volcano occurred at 5:58 a.m. Tuesday.

The minor phreatomagmatic eruption earlier lasted four minutes, based on visual, seismic, and infrasound records of the Taal Volcano Network (TVN).

It produced a 600-meter-tall jetted plume that rose to 2,800 meters above Taal Volcano Island (TVI) before drifting west-southwest.

Ashfall was reported in Poblacion, Agoncillo, and Buso-buso, Laurel, Batangas.

Phivolcs said the eruption was likely caused by the sudden interaction of water with a small batch of shallow magma beneath the Taal Main Crater.

It said the main crater has been steadily releasing volcanic gas for the past three years.

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions recorded on Nov. 30 remained elevated, averaging 7,216 tonnes/day, which was higher than the monthly average of 5,283 tons per day.

While localized ground deformation and sustained degassing suggest continued volcanic activity, the low levels of volcanic earthquakes and the absence of significant magma movement indicate that the risk of a major eruption remains low.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, which signifies abnormal activity.

Phivolcs also warned that sudden minor eruptions, ashfall, and hazardous volcanic gas emissions remain possible.

“At Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic or minor phreatomagmatic eruptions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island (TVI). Should phreatomagmatic activity at Taal persist or intensify, then the Alert Level may be raised to Alert Level 2,” it said.

Communities near the caldera are advised to remain vigilant, particularly due to the health risks posed by high concentrations of sulfur dioxide.

Phivolcs reiterated that entry into TVI, especially the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), including the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, is strictly prohibited.

Local government units are encouraged to monitor their communities and ensure readiness for potential hazards.

Phivolcs also assured continuous monitoring of Taal Volcano and that it will immediately advise the public of any significant developments.