Taal Volcano spews high volume of toxic gas

Taal Volcano in Batangas province spewed on Thursday a significant amount of sulfur dioxide (SO2). —RICHARD A. REYES

LUCENA CITY — Taal Volcano in Batangas province spewed on Thursday a significant amount of sulfur dioxide (SO2).

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Friday morning that in the past 24 hours, the volcano emitted 4,398 metric tons of SO2 after an emission of 2,921 MT since Aug. 26.

The emitted toxic gas reached an altitude of 2,400 meters above Taal Volcano Island, locally known as the “Pulo,” before dispersing in the southeast and north-northeast direction.

READ: Harmful gas emission from Taal Volcano wanes, ‘vog’ disappears

In their latest update, the state volcanologists noted an “upwelling of hot volcanic fluids” in the main crater lake of the volcano, with no recorded earthquakes during the observation period.

However, there was no volcanic smog, or “vog,” during the latest observation period.

On Aug. 19 and 20, the presence of volcanic smog from Taal led local government officials in some towns in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) region to suspend classes to protect the health of teachers and students.

Vog is composed of SO2 gas and can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, posing a greater risk to people with respiratory conditions and pregnant women.

Phivolcs said Taal Volcano remained under alert level 1, indicating low volcanic unrest.

The public is reminded the public that Taal Volcano remains in an abnormal condition. INQ