Taal Volcano emits high sulfur dioxide, prompts health advisories

Taal Volcano in Batangas emitted 11,072 metric tons of sulfur dioxide on Thursday, June 6, according to a report from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

On Saturday, Phivolcs reported another two-minute phreatic eruption at Taal Volcano with five volcanic earthquakes observed in the past 24 hours.

The volcano showed degassing activity generating thick volcanic smog or vog at its main crater on Friday morning, warning of potential SO2 accumulation if winds weaken in coming days.

Hazy conditions were observed over several towns near the volcano due to high SO2 emissions, prompting health advisories for residents to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities.

Phivolcs recommends that communities at risk should use N95 masks, drink plenty of water, and seek medical help when needed; they also advise limiting exposure by closing doors and windows to block out volcanic gas.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1 (abnormal condition), and entry into Taal Volcano Island is prohibited.