Phivolcs warns of possible Taal eruption

Phivolcs warned of a potential steam-driven or minor phreatic eruption at Taal Volcano due to increased seismic activity and a lack of visible gas emissions.

The agency noted that the increase in seismic energy and absence of steam plumes might indicate a blockage in the volcano's gas channels, leading to potential overpressurization.

Phivolcs Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol confirmed that Taal Volcano has been experiencing continuous volcanic tremor for more than two days since July 6.

He stated that this activity corresponds with a rise in real-time seismic amplitude measurement (RSAM), which was also the subject of a Phivolcs advisory.

Dr. Bacolcol clarified that the advisory is a precautionary measure and not a forecast of an imminent eruption, stating, 'Nag-ano lang tayo ng pwedeng magkaroon ng sudden phreatic eruptions. It's possible. Pwede ring wala. So, naglabas lang tayo ng advisory saying na ito 'yung nakikita natin... Pwedeng magkaroon ng sudden steam-driven or minor explosive eruption.'

He also noted that continuous volcanic tremor may last for several days and is triggered by the continuous flow of magma or gas inside a volcano, differentiating it from volcanic earthquakes.

Sulfur dioxide emission measured 377 tonnes on July 4.

The volcano remains under Alert Level 1, indicating low-level volcanic unrest, and the public is cautioned that Taal Volcano is in an abnormal state, with communities advised to stay vigilant and refrain from entering the permanent danger zone, which is the whole Taal Volcano Island.