Taal Volcano (file photo)
MANILA – A minor phreatic eruption that produced 600-meter-high plume was recorded in Taal Volcano at around 1:59 a.m. Wednesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
"Phreatic eruptions happen when water meets hot volcanic rocks or gases, causing steam-driven blasts that release steam, ash, and rock fragments," Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol told the Philippine News Agency.
Since April, Taal Volcano has had 35 phreatic eruptions, including one Wednesday.
Bacolcol said that although the volcano is still under Alert Level 1, their advisory hghlights Phivolcs' strong recommendation to keep Taal Volcano Island (TVI), the permanent danger zone, off-limits.
"Phreatic eruptions can happen at any time, even at Alert Level 0," he said.
At Alert Level 1 (abnormal condition), sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within TVI. (PNA)
