2 steam eruptions observed anew at Taal Volcano

DECEPTIVELY CALM The Taal Volcano Island is deceptively calm in this photo taken on Oct. 2 from a viewpoint in Tagaytay City amid its ongoing unrest, which has prompted state volcanologists to warn officials of towns and cities around Taal Lake to prepare for possible escalation of its alert level from 1 to 2. — SHERWIN TAN

MANILA, Philippines — Two phreatic or steam-driven eruptions were observed again at Taal Volcano in Batangas province, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Tuesday.

Phivolcs told INQUIRER.net that both eruptions occurred on Monday. The first eruption happened from 5:33 a.m. to 5:37 a.m. while the second was recorded from 7:03 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.

Taal Volcano also recorded two minor phreatic eruptions on Sunday, which lasted from three to 13 minutes.

Steam-driven eruptions also occurred last Thursday and Friday that went on for six minutes and two minutes, respectively.

READ: Phivolcs logs 2 steam-driven eruptions in Taal Volcano

A volcanic smog, or vog, appeared last Thursday, prompting four towns in Batangas to cancel classes.

READ: Taal vog prompts class suspension in Batangas

The volcano emitted 2,964 tons of sulfur dioxide, with flumes reaching 900 meters tall, and spreading towards the southwest.

The volcano remains at Alert Level 1, or low-level unrest.

Phivolcs warned that entering Taal Volcano Island and flying any aircraft near the volcano premises were prohibited.

It also reminded the public that stream-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and explosions of volcanic gas can occur.