April 20, 2024 - The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) issued an advisory on April 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM, reporting weak phreatic activity at the Taal Volcano.
Two minor successive phreatic or steam-driven events occurred at the Taal Main Crater this morning between 8:50 AM to 8:52 AM and 9:09 to 9:12 AM. These events were recorded by the Taal Volcano Network (TVN) based on visual and seismic records. The events produced white steam-laden plumes that rose 350 meters above the Main Crater before drifting west-southwest and southwest.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions have decreased last week and were last recorded at an average of 2,104 tonnes/day on April 18, 2024. However, average SO2 emissions since January this year remain high at 9,698 tonnes/day. The phreatic events were likely driven by the continued emission of hot volcanic gases at the Taal Main Crater and could be succeeded by similar phreatic activity.
DOST-PHIVOLCS reminds the public that Alert Level 1 prevails over Taal Volcano, indicating that it is still in an abnormal condition. At Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island (TVI).
Furthermore, degassing of high concentrations of volcanic SO2 continues to pose the threat of potential long-term health impacts to communities around Taal Caldera that are frequently exposed to volcanic gas. DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly recommends that entry into TVI, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, must remain strictly prohibited.
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. Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft.
DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders.