Phreatic eruption at Taal volcano, increased sulfur dioxide emissions, Philippines

A phreatic eruption occurred at Taal Volcano, Philippines, between 21:11 and 21:24 UTC on April 11, 2024 (05:11 and 05:24 LT, April 12), producing a 2.4 km (7 870 feet) tall steam-laden plume that drifted southwest.

The eruption is believed to have been triggered by the ongoing release of hot volcanic gases from the Taal Main Crater, indicating that further similar phreatic activity could follow. Despite this activity, the levels of volcanic earthquakes and ground deformation measurements suggest that the volcano’s unrest is unlikely to escalate into a magmatic eruption at this stage.

The volcano’s sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions were recorded at an average of 8 677 tonnes/day on April 11, 2024. This figure is part of a consistent trend of elevated emissions since the start of the year, averaging 10 248 tonnes/day.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has reiterated that Taal Volcano remains at Alert Level 1, signaling that the volcano is in an abnormal condition.

This alert level warns of the potential for sudden steam-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and hazardous volcanic gas emissions that could impact areas within Taal Volcano Island (TVI).

The ongoing degassing of volcanic SO₂ presents a significant risk of long-term health effects to communities frequently exposed to these gases around the Taal Caldera.

PHIVOLCS strongly advises against entering the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), especially near the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.

Taal is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines and has produced some powerful eruptions.

The last eruptive episode at this volcano took place from October 5 to 29, 2022 (VEI 1). The volcano has a history of VEI 1 – 4 eruptions and one VEI 6 in 3 580 BCE ± 200 years

References:

¹ Eruption notice for Taal Volcano – PHIVOLCS – April 12, 2024

Featured image credit: DOST-PHIVOLCS (stillshot)