A minor phreatomagmatic eruption, otherwise known as an explosive interaction of magma and water, occurred at Taal Volcano on Tuesday, December 3, at 5:58 A.M.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the eruption lasted four minutes and produced a plume that rose to 2,800 meters above Taal Volcano Island.
Ashfall was reported in Poblacion, Agoncillo, and Buso-buso in Laurel, Batangas.
Increased volcanic gas emissions and localized ground deformation have been observed over the past month, although volcanic earthquakes remain low.
The sulfur dioxide flux was measured at 7,216 tonnes per day on November 30, exceeding the monthly average of 5,283 tonnes.
“Today’s phreatomagmatic event was likely driven by sudden contact of water with a small batch of shallow magma that has been in place beneath the Taal Main Crater and that has been degassing sustained levels of SO2 for the past three years,” said Phivolcs.
Taal Volcano is currently under Alert Level 1, indicating abnormal conditions and potential for further activity.
Authorities advise against entering the Permanent Danger Zone and recommend monitoring for health risks from volcanic gas exposure.
Civil aviation authorities are urged to keep aircraft away from the area due to potential hazards from ash and fragments.
