Taal Volcano spews plumes 3,000 meters high

Taal Volcano spewed steam-rich plumes some 3,000 meters high Saturday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.

“Volcanic smog (vog) has been experienced over the Taal region this week as high levels of volcanic sulfur dioxide,” Phivolcs said.

SO2 levels that peaked on Aug. 19 at an average of 12,257 tonnes/day have been continually degassed from the main crater, the state agency said.

A total of 135 volcanic earthquakes were recorded in the last 24 hours and a sulfur dioxide flux of 4,756 tonnes per day was last measured Friday.

Taal Volcano has been under Alert Level 2 since July 23. Under Alert Level 2, there could be sudden steam or gas-driven explosions and expulsions of volcanic gas.