Phivolcs detects Taal Volcano vog

(PHOTO COURTESY OF SHIELA TAN)

MANILA, Philippines — Volcanic smog or vog due to the emission of sulfur dioxide was detected at Taal Volcano in Batangas. the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Thursday. 

Phivolcs previously said that vog contains droplets that carry volcanic gas such as sulfur dioxide that can irritate the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract.

Phivolcs told INQUIRER.net that the vog was observed on Wednesday, from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

The state agency, however, said that they are still confirming with the observatory department if there is still a visible vog in the area. 

Taal Volcano emitted 2,039 tons of sulfur dioxide, with plumes reaching 2,400 meters high that drifted north-northwest, northwest and west. 

Phivolcs likewise recorded one volcanic tremor from the volcano on Wednesday at 8:55 p.m. which lasted two to three minutes.

“Yung tremors, specifically sa Taal Volcano, nangyayari po siya kapag mayroon po tayong paggalaw ng fluids sa ilalim ng Taal Volcano either sa crater o sa chamber po. Pero wala naman pong imminent reaction yung tremor na nangyari yesterday.” Phivolcs told INQUIRER.net.

(The tremors, specifically in Taal Volcano, happen if there is movement of fluids underneath the Taal Volcano, either in its crater or the chamber. But the tremor did not cause any imminent reaction yesterday.)

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

Phivolcs reminded the public that entering Taal Volcano Island and flights near the volcano are prohibited.

Stream-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and explosions of volcanic gas can also occur, Phivolcs added.