Taal Volcano blows off steam, but no lava—Phivolcs

BEAUTY IN A LAKE The scenic view of Taal Volcano from Tagaytay City, Cavite, shown in this photo taken on Oct. 24, portrays calmness amid its continued emission of toxic gas. —MARLON MALLARI/ CONTRIBUTOR

MANILA, Philippines —Taal Volcano blew gas-laden steam early on Friday (March 12), indicating unrest but giving no sign yet of a more explosive eruption involving lava, according to state volcanologists.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the phreatic eruption was likely triggered by hot volcanic gases accumulating at its main crater. More phreatic eruptions could be expected, Phivolcs said.

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“A phreatic or steam-driven eruption at the Taal Main Crater occurred in the early morning between 5:11 AM to 5:24 AM based on seismic, visual and infrasound records of the Taal Volcano Network (TVN),” Phivolcs said in an advisory.

The agency assured the public that a magmatic eruption, where lava would spill from the volcano in Batangas province, would be unlikely.

“The background levels of volcanic earthquake activity and ground deformation detected at Taal indicate that unrest is unlikely to progress into magmatic eruption,” it added.

Phivolcs said Alert Level 1 stays on Taal, which could be classified as “low-level unrest.” This could mean quakes, minor ashfalls, or gas expulsion from the volcano.

Phivolcs also urged local government units to prohibit entry into areas tagged as dangerous around the volcano, monitor developments and take necessary measures.

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Phivolcs said there should be no entry into the Taal permanent danger zone, especially near the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.

“Local government units are advised to continuously monitor and assess [the] preparedness of their communities and undertake appropriate response measures to mitigate hazards that could be posed by long-term degassing and related phreatic activity,” it said.

Phivolcs, the advisory said, is “closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders.”