Taal Volcano emits 900-meter plumes in minor phreatic eruption

A minor phreatic eruption occurred at the summit crater of Taal Volcano at 11:42 a.m. today, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported.

A Facebook post shared by PHIVOLCS shows time-lapse footage of the eruption at the volcano located in Batangas province.

“This event generated plumes that rose 900 meters above the crater,” PHIVOLCS said.

According to the agency, Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, which means the volcano is in an abnormal state with observed emissions.

Under this alert status, entry into the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and flying close to the volcano are strictly prohibited.

A minor phreatic eruption is a steam-driven volcanic explosion caused by hot rocks or magma heating groundwater, resulting in the ejection of ash, rock fragments, and steam.

Two days ago, PHIVOLCS recorded 20 volcanic earthquakes in the area.