FILE PHOTO: Footage taken from Taal Volcano Observatory catches the degassing activity from the main crater on June 4, 2023. —SCREENGRAB FROM PHIVOlCS FACEBOOK PAGE
LUCENA CITY — Taal Volcano in Batangas province has continuously emitted high volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO2 gas concentrations, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
A total of 11,265 metric tons (MT) of SO2 from Taal’s main crater was measured over the past 24 hours and rose to 900 meters tall before drifting southwest, Phivolcs said in its 5 a.m. bulletin Thursday, Dec. 14.
State volcanologists also observed an “upwelling of hot volcanic fluids” in the main crater lake of the volcano, located on Taal Volcano Island, locally known as the “Pulo,” which sits in the middle of Taal Lake.
The Phivolcs reported that the volcano started recording a high volume of toxic volcanic gas on Dec. 11 when it emitted 11,265 tonnes.
Taal spewed 7,453 MT on Dec.1, 8,102 MT on Dec. 4, and 8,243 MT on Dec. 11.
The volcano’s SO2 emission reached 11,962 MT on Nov. 28, the highest this year.
It was on Oct. 12 when Phivolcs noted an increase in emission of SO2 (9,762 MT) from the volcano’s main crater.
Phivolcs reported that Taal Volcano has been continuously degassing high concentrations of volcanic SO2 since March 2021, and emissions since September have averaged 5,019 MT per day.
The high level of SO2 emissions and sporadic steam releases have caused volcanic smog or “vog” – a harmful haze that contains volcanic ash and gas – to descend on localities close to the volcano.
READ: Vog threatens Taal area anew as volcano spews more harmful gas
Authorities reminded residents not to let their guard down even when there is no visible smog and to keep a supply of face masks on hand as protection against “vog.”
They have also barred entry into Pulo, especially near the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure. Aircraft are still prohibited from flying close to the volcano.
According to the state volcanologist, Taal Volcano remained under alert level 1 (low level of volcanic unrest).
READ: Vog from Taal Volcano prompts class suspensions in Batangas
Under alert level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within TVI, Phivolcs said.
Phivolcs reminded the public that Taal Volcano continued to display an “abnormal condition” and “should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest nor ceased the threat of eruptive activity.”