A phreatomagmatic burst occurred within the main crater of Taal Volcano, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Thursday night.
Phreatomagmatic eruptions are caused by the interaction of magma and water. Eruptions normally consist of multiple explosive events, the interval of which may vary.
The eruption on Thursday happened around 4:16 p.m. and lasted for 27 seconds. It generated white plume 300 meters high.
No eruption followed, according to Phivolcs.
In the Taal Volcano bulletin issued at 8 a.m., Phivolcs said no volcanic earthquake was detected for the past 24 hours.
Upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in its lake generated plumes 1,000 meters tall that drifted southwest.
Further, the sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 8,686 tons on February 8.
Taal Volcano remains under alert level 2 (increased unrest), which means that sudden steam or gas-driven explosions, volcanic quakes, minor ashfall and lethal expulsions of volcanic gas may occur and threaten areas within and around the Taal Volcano Island (TVI).
Entry into TVI, Taal’s permanent danger zone, must be strictly prohibited.
Phivolcs urged local government officials to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest. (PNA)
