Taal Volcano in Batangas recorded two minor phreatic to phreatomagmatic eruptions early Thursday, producing ash plumes and incandescent ejecta but prompting no change in alert status.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the eruptions occurred at 12:58 a.m. and 1:04 a.m., each lasting around two minutes based on seismic and camera monitoring.
Both events generated plumes rising up to 1,200 meters above the main crater before drifting southwest, as seen through the Daang Kastila thermal and Lower Calauit IP cameras.
The second eruption also produced incandescent ballistic fragments hurled about 300 meters above the lake surface.
Phivolcs’ 24-hour monitoring showed five volcanic earthquakes, continued inflation at Taal Volcano Island, and persistent sulfur dioxide emissions measured at 208 tons per day.
The main crater lake’s temperature was logged at 58.1°C, while its acidity remained extremely high at pH 0.3, consistent with ongoing hydrothermal activity.
A weak plume rising up to 600 meters was also observed, drifting southwest.
Alert Level 1 remains in effect, which means Taal is exhibiting abnormal activity but has no imminent eruption threat.
Phivolcs reiterated the ban on entry into Taal Volcano Island, especially the main crater and Daang Kastila fissures, due to risks from sudden steam-driven explosions and volcanic gas emissions.
Communities around the lake were advised to stay vigilant for possible ashfall and continued volcanic unrest.
