Taal Volcano erupts in minor phreatomagmatic event

Taal Volcano erupted early Tuesday morning at 5:58 a.m., according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

The eruption was classified as a minor phreatomagmatic event, generating a 2,800-meter grayish plume from the volcano island's main crater.

Traces of ash were reported in Barangay Poblacion in Agoncillo and Barangay Buso-buso in Laurel, Batangas, following the eruption.

Over the past month, PHIVOLCS detected increased volcanic gas emissions and localized ground deformation, although volcanic earthquakes remained at low levels.

Despite these recent eruptions, PHIVOLCS maintains that the current unrest is unlikely to progress into a major magmatic eruption due to sustained degassing of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and low seismic activity.

PHIVOLCS continues to advise Alert Level 1 for Taal Volcano, indicating low-level unrest and prohibiting entry into the volcano island's main crater, Daang Kastila fissure area, and Mt. Tabaro eruption site.

Local government units are advised to monitor preparedness and undertake appropriate response measures to mitigate potential long-term health impacts from volcanic gas emissions.