Phivolcs observes weak steam-driven blast over Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano file photo. On Thursday, Phivolcs observed that Taal Volcano’s main crater erupted with a weak 2800-meter-tall steam plume. (Photo by REM ZAMORA)

MANILA, Philippines — A minor phreatic eruption occurred at Taal Volcano’s main crater at 7:21 a.m. on Thursday.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), a phreatic eruption is a “steam-driven explosion that occurs when water beneath the ground or on the surface is heated by magma, lava, hot rocks or new volcanic deposits.”

“The event produced a 2800-meter-high eruption plume that drifted southwest,” Phivolcs said in its latest update.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1.

“Steam-driven, phreatic, or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, and minor ash falls may occur under the said alert level,” state seismologists noted.

Entry into the Taal Volcano Island and flying any aircraft close to the volcano remain prohibited, Phivolcs added.

READ: Phivolcs detects weak phreatic eruption at Taal Volcano