Phivolcs: Phreatomagmatic Burst Recorded in Taal Volcano

A short-lived phreatomagmatic burst with plume that reached 300 meters tall was recorded in Taal Volcano's main crater at 4:16 PM on Feb. 10, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Feb. 11.

"Activity at the Main Crater was dominated by upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in its lake which generated plumes 1500 meters tall that drifted southwest," said Phivolcs. "Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 10,009 tonnes/day on 10 February 2022."

Taal Volcano is currently under Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest), meaning entry into Taal Volcano Island (Permanent Danger Zone), especially the main crater and Daang Kastila Fissures, are not allowed. Occupancy and boating on Taal Lake, as well as flying any aircraft close to the volcano are also prohibited.

According to Phivolcs, possible hazards that can occur under Alert Level 2 include steam-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.

Taal Volcano erupted on Jan. 12, 2020, 42 years after its last eruption in October 1977. According to ReliefWeb the eruption affected more than 736,000 people in Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and the National Capital Region and saw the evacuation of over 135,000 people.