The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has reported a steam-driven or phreatic eruption at Taal Volcano in Batangas, occurring over the past 24 hours.
In its bulletin, PHIVOLCS detailed that the phreatic eruption lasted for five minutes, producing voluminous plumes up to 1,500 meters high, which drifted southeast and southwest. Additionally, two volcanic earthquakes were recorded at the volcano.
On July 29, Taal emitted 1,709 tons of sulfur dioxide. The agency also observed long-term deflation of the Taal caldera and short-term inflation of the northern and southeastern flanks of Taal Volcano Island.
The volcano remains at Alert Level 1, indicating low-level unrest. Under this alert level, potential hazards include steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.
PHIVOLCS has prohibited entry into the Taal Volcano Island, the permanent danger zone (PDZ), particularly around the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure. Flying close to the volcano is also restricted.