PHIVOLCS records three minor eruptions at Taal Volcano
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology is closely monitoring Taal Volcano after three minor eruptions took place on Sunday morning.
In time-lapse footage posted on their social media accounts, the government agency reported that one minor phreatic eruption happened at 2:55 a.m. on Oct. 26.
Two minor phreatomagmatic eruptions later took place hours later at 8:13 a.m. and 8:20 a.m.
"These events generated plumes that rose up to 1,200 to 2,100 meters above the crater as recorded by the Main Crater IP and thermal cameras," PHIVOLCS stated.
According to geologist and Project NOAH executive director Mahar Lagmay, phreatomagmatic eruptions are a result of an interaction between magma and water.
When hot magma rises and comes into contact with external water—such as groundwater, a lake, a glacier, or even the ocean—the water rapidly heats up and flashes into steam.
This sudden conversion to steam causes violent explosions that shatter the magma and surrounding rock into fine ash and debris.
Taal Volcano is now on Alert Level 1, which means that there is "low-level unrest" with slight increase in volcanic earthquake and steam or gas activity.
Possible hazards that can occur include sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, rockfalls or landslides and avalanches, and lahars during heavy and prolonged rainfall.
PHIVOLCS warned that entry into the six-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone should not be allowed, as well as flying any aircraft close to the volcano.
Taal Volcano is considered the second most active volcano in the country after Mayon Volcano in Albay.