Phivolcs warns of increased seismic activity from Taal Volcano

File photo from 2023 of Taal Volcano spewing toxic gas. Photo by Marlon Mallari, contributor.

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Sunday warned of an increase in seismic activity that may trigger a phreatic or a minor phreatomagmatic eruption.

In its advisory as of 3:20 p.m., the Phivolcs said that the stations of Taal Volcano Network (TVN) in the Taal Volcano Island (TVI) have been recording an increase in real-time seismic energy measurement (RSAM) simultaneous with continuing volcanic tremor.

The Phivolcs also said that a total of two low frequency volcanic earthquakes were recorded by the TVN since July 1, 2025. It added that there was an absence of degassing plume from the Taal Main Crater since the start of RSAM increase.

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The agency also noted the volcano’s degassing of low levels of sulfur dioxide since June 2025 where the latest emission measured last July 4 reached an average of 415 tons per day.

“The sharp increase in RSAM and the lack of observable degassing from the Main Crater may indicate blockage or plugging of volcanic gas pathways within the volcano, which may lead to short-term pressurization and trigger a phreatic or even a minor phreatomagmatic eruption,” the Phivolcs said in its advisory.

READ: 2 earthquakes detected at Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours

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The Phivolcs then reminded the public that Alert Level 1 remains over the volcano, emphasizing that “it is still in abnormal condition and should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest or ceased the threat of eruptive activity.”

“At Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic or minor phreatomagmatic eruptions, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within TVI,” the agency added.

Phivolcs also prohibits entry into the TVI, especially near the main crater or Daang Kastila Fissures and flying of aircraft near the crater.

Meanwhile, it advised the nearby residents to close doors and windows to contain access to volcanic smog or vog and protect themselves with face masks and goggles. /mr