QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcs) recorded a minor phreatomagmatic activity on Taal Volcano at about 11:32 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, which lasted four minutes, following earlier volcanic events.
An advisory from the state volcanologists indicates that the phreatomagmatic event was likely driven by sudden contact of water with a small branch of shallow magma that has been in place beneath the Taal Main Crater that has been venting sustained levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) for the past three years.
Phreatomagmatic eruptions are a type of explosive eruption that results from magma erupting through water, volcanologists said.
Prior to the phreatic activity recorded at about 11:30 a.m., five similar events were also recorded on Saturday.
In total, 30 minor eruptive events have been recorded since September 22, 2024, the PhiVolcs added.
Meanwhile, SO2 emissions on Friday, October 4, averaged 3,276 tonnes/day. But average SO2 emissions since January this year remain high at 6,673 tonnes/day.
Phreatic events resulted in traces of ash deposits in some areas, particularly in Agoncillo, Batangas.
This information is based on monitoring and coordination efforts with the five nearby local government units (LGUs) on Taal Volcano Island, namely: Agoncillo, Talisay, Laurel, San Nicolas, and Balete.
As of posting time, there was no significant impact on the community of the volcanic events.
In response, the Office of Civil Defense-Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has maintained its blue alert status and closely monitors the situation on Taal Volcano through close coordination with PhiVolcs and other concerned agencies.
A total of 6,895 pieces of N-95 face masks were readily available for augmentation once requested by the LGUs, the PhiVolcs advisory said. (PIA DMD)
