CALMNESS This view of Taal Volcano from Tagaytay City on Jan. 4 is one of serenity despite the high volume of sulfur dioxide emission recorded in previous weeks. —TAGAYTAY CITY TOURISM OFFICE PHOTO
LUCENA CITY — Taal Volcano in Batangas province emitted on Thursday, Jan. 18, another alarming volume of sulfur dioxide (SO2), according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
A total of 12,063 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 bulletin Friday.
State volcanologists also observed an “upwelling of hot volcanic fluids” in the main crater lake, located on Taal Volcano Island, locally known as “Pulo,” which sits in the middle of Taal Lake.
No earthquake was recorded in the latest update.The emission level on Thursday was lower than the 12,685 MT logged on Jan. 4, which was greater than the 11,499 MT recorded on Nov. 9, the highest last year.
READ: Taal Volcano’s toxic gas emissions ease
The level of release dropped to 10,933 MT on Jan. 8 and further fell to 8,109 MT on Jan. 15 daily until Jan. 17.
From Dec. 15 to Dec. 21 last year, the volcano also released a high volume of toxic volcanic gas when it emitted 11,437 MT of SO2 daily.
The toxic gas emissions dropped to 6,609 MT daily from Dec. 22 to 25. The level of emission rose to 9,557 MT on Dec. 26 and fell to 8,931 MT on Dec. 28 until Jan. 1.
On Jan. 2, the volcano registered 11,434 MT until the next day.
READ: Taal again spews high volume of toxic gas
Local health officials have yet to issue a public advisory on the harm brought by the high volume of toxic volcanic gas.
However, government officials in all localities surrounding the volcano have always reminded residents to wear face masks, preferably the N-95 type, when going out of the house for protection against vog during the emission of a high volume of toxic gas.
Vog is composed of SO2 gas and could irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Notably, people with respiratory conditions and pregnant women are at greater risk.
According to the state volcanologist, Taal Volcano remained under alert level 1 (low level of volcanic unrest).
READ: Taal Volcano emits high-volume of sulfuric gas again, says Phivolcs
Under alert 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas could occur and threaten areas within TVI, Phivolcs said.
Authorities have barred entry into Pulo, especially within the vicinity of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure. Aircraft are still prohibited from flying close to the volcano.