The Taal Volcano erupted on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The eruption was described as a phreatomagmatic event, which occurs when magma comes into contact with water, causing a highly explosive reaction.
In its advisory, PHIVOLCS reported that the eruption produced a “short black jetted plume” followed by a steam-rich plume rising up to 2,400 meters. Sulfur dioxide emissions were measured at 2,532 tonnes per day.
Despite the eruption, Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1. Under this alert level, sudden phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and the release of volcanic gas can still pose threats. Entry into the Taal Volcano Island and its permanent danger zone remains strictly prohibited, and the area is designated as a no-fly zone.
Since September 22, a total of 18 phreatic events have been recorded, including five phreatic eruptions and six volcanic tremors on Tuesday.
Taal Volcano’s last eruption occurred in July 2021, when it was placed under Alert Level 3.