Taal Volcano shows increased sulfur dioxide emission

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Taal Volcano in Batangas province continued to show increased sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, although volcanic activity remained generally low, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Saturday, June 20.

In its daily monitoring bulletin, Phivolcs reported that Taal Volcano’s Main Crater emitted 692 metric tons of sulfur dioxide over the past 24 hours. The volcanic plume rose approximately 750 meters before drifting southwest.

READ: Taal Volcano update: Sulfur emissions up; Alert Level 1 stays

The latest emission level was higher than the 448 metric tons recorded the previous day and significantly exceeded the average daily emission rate of 188 metric tons measured from June 11 to 18.

Despite the increase in gas emissions, Phivolcs reported no upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake on Taal Volcano Island, located at the center of Taal Lake. No volcanic smog, or “vog,” was also observed during the monitoring period.

The agency noted that Taal remained relatively quiet seismically, with only one volcanic earthquake recorded over the past 24 hours.

Phivolcs maintained Alert Level 1 over Taal Volcano, indicating low volcanic unrest. Under this alert status, sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and hazardous gas emissions remain possible.

The agency reiterated its warning against entering Taal Volcano Island, particularly the Permanent Danger Zone, and advised pilots to avoid flying near the volcano’s summit due to potential hazards posed by sudden eruptions and gas emissions. /jpv