Phivolcs monitors phreatomagmatic event at Taal Volcano, warns of hazards

On Thursday afternoon, state volcanologists monitored a phreatomagmatic eruptive event at Taal Volcano in Batangas, which lasted up to 12 minutes and included six volcanic earthquakes and five volcanic tremors.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the eruption generated a weak emission of greyish-white plumes reaching up to 400 meters tall, drifting southeast.

Phivolcs warned the public to stay away from Taal Volcano Island due to potential hazards such as minor base surges, ashfall, and ballistic projectiles, while also noting that volcanic gases pose additional threats in confined or low-lying areas near the volcano island.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been conducting diving operations around Taal Lake in search of missing cockfighting enthusiasts, with two more sacks containing human remains recovered on Thursday.

Phivolcs advised continuing retrieval operations in Taal Lake despite minor eruptions and noted that these activities are usual given the volcano's current Alert Level 1 status.

Taal Volcano Island remains off-limits to the public as part of the permanent danger zone.