A series of nine (9) weak phreatomagmatic bursts from the Taal Main Crater occurred between 3:50PM yesterday and 4:49AM this morning which produced steam-rich plumes 400 m to 900 m tall detected by visual and thermal cameras around Taal Lake. These events were very short-lived, lasting only 10 seconds to two minutes and produced only traces in the seismic record but were accompanied by distinct infrasound signals.
In the past 24-hour period, the Taal Volcano Network recorded thirty-one (31) volcanic earthquakes, including fourteen (14) volcanic tremor events having a duration of one (1) to three (3) minutes, sixteen (16) low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, one (1) hybrid event and low-level background tremor that has persisted since 7 July 2021 Activity at the Main Crater was dominated by upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in its lake which generated plumes 2000 meters tall that drifted southwest and northeast. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 10,036 tonnes/day on 29 January 2022. Based on ground deformation parameters from electronic tilt, continuous GPS and InSAR monitoring, Taal Volcano Island and the Taal region has begun deflating in October 2021.
Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest) prevails over Taal Volcano. DOST-PHIVOLCS reminds the public that at Alert Level 2, sudden steam- or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around TVI. DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly recommends that entry into Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ must be strictly prohibited, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, and extended stays on Taal Lake. Local government officials are advised to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest. Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders.
