Taal Volcano experiences seismic activity, reduced sulfur dioxide emissions

As of Wednesday morning, December 25, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported at least 11 volcanic earthquakes in Taal Volcano in Batangas province over the last 24 hours.

On Tuesday, these earthquakes were accompanied by seven volcanic tremors lasting three to five minutes, while on Monday six tremors lasting five to eight minutes were recorded.

Phivolcs defines volcanic earthquakes as those generated by magmatic processes beneath or near an active volcano and distinguishes them by their mode of arrival, periods, amplitudes, etc., with volcanic tremors being continuous seismic signals with low frequencies.

The emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) from Taal Volcano's main crater have significantly decreased to 1,181 metric tons on Monday and Tuesday, compared to the previous week’s high volume of up to 8,322 MT.

Phivolcs noted that despite the reduced SO2 levels, degassing continues to pose potential long-term health risks to nearby communities, emphasizing that Taal Volcano remains in an abnormal condition with Alert Level 1 still in effect.