Taal Volcano continues to spew toxic gas

Taal Volcano as seen from Laurel Batangas

LUCENA CITY—For four consecutive days, Taal Volcano in Batangas province has consistently emitted an alarmingly high volume of sulfur dioxide, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In its bulletin on Monday, Phivolcs reported that the volcano emitted 15,145 metric tons (MT) of toxic sulfur dioxide, or SO2 gas, over the past 24 hours.

State volcanologists also noted a “pronounced 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.

On Jan. 25, the volcano released 15,145 MT of toxic volcanic gas, the highest so far this year, but no seismic activities were recorded at that time.

Last year, the volcano logged 11,499 MT on Nov. 9, the highest emission level recorded in 2023.

Phivolcs said Monday’s emission rose to 900 meters tall before drifting southwest but no volcanic smog or vog over the Taal Caldera was observed throughout the day.

Health risks

Vog consists of fine droplets containing volcanic gas such as SO2, which is acidic and can cause irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract, with severity depending on the gas concentrations and duration of exposure.

Authorities warned that people who may be particularly sensitive to vog are those with health conditions such as asthma, lung disease and heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women and children. —Delfin T. Mallari Jr. INQ