Taal Volcano in Batangas had three minor eruptions yesterday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported.
Phivolcs said a minor phreatic eruption occurred at 2:55 a.m., followed by two minor phreatomagmatic eruptions at 8:13 a.m. and 8:20 a.m. at the volcano’s main crater – events that produced ash plumes up to 2,100 meters high.
In its 24-hour observation bulletin, Phivolcs recorded nine volcanic earthquakes, including two volcanic temblors lasting up to 96 minutes, and noted a short-term inflation or slight swelling of the Taal Volcano Island.
The sulfur dioxide emission averaged 436 tons per day as of Oct. 25, while the temperature of the main crater lake was measured at 69.3 degrees Celsius.
Phivolcs said Alert Level 1 (low-level unrest) is in effect over Taal, indicating that the volcano is in an abnormal state and that sudden steam-driven or gas-driven explosions may occur without warning.
Entry into Taal Volcano Island, particularly the main crater and Daang Kastila fissures, remains strictly prohibited due to possible steam or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes and gas emissions, Phivolcs said.