Taal Volcano update: Sulfur emissions up; Alert Level 1 stays

LUCENA CITY – Taal Volcano’s sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions slightly increased even as its seismic activity remained generally quiet, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Friday.

In its latest 24-hour monitoring report, Phivolcs said Taal emitted 448 tons of sulfur dioxide on Thursday, more than the average daily emission rate of 188 metric tons recorded from June 11 to 18.

The volcano also generated plumes that rose as high as 750 meters and drifted northwest. Phivolcs classified the activity as a “weak emission” event.

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State volcanologists noted that Taal remained seismically calm over the past week, with only one volcanic earthquake recorded on Thursday.

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From June 11 to 19, Phivolcs logged a total of eight volcanic earthquakes and one volcanic tremor. No seismic events were recorded on June 13, 14, 16, and 18.

Phivolcs explained that volcanic earthquakes are generated by magma-related processes occurring beneath or near an active volcano, while volcanic tremors are prolonged, low-frequency seismic signals that may persist for more than a minute.

Phivolcs also reported no upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake on Taal Volcano Island, located at the center of Taal Lake.

Likewise, no volcanic smog, or “vog,” was detected during the monitoring period.

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Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, indicating low-level volcanic unrest.

Phivolcs continues to prohibit entry into Taal Volcano Island, particularly the Permanent Danger Zone.

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The agency also warned that sudden phreatic or steam-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and hazardous volcanic gas emissions remain possible. /gsg

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