Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Sulfur dioxide emissions from Taal Volcano declined sharply over the past 24 hours, while volcanic activity remained at low levels, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Tuesday.
In its latest bulletin, Phivolcs recorded 518 metric tons of sulfur dioxide emitted from the volcano’s main crater, a level considered weak gas emission.
The latest reading was lower than the 741 metric tons of sulfur dioxide recorded between July 22 and 26, indicating a significant drop in volcanic gas output.
Monitoring also showed low seismic activity, with only five volcanic earthquakes detected during the reporting period. The previous day’s observation logged one volcanic quake.
Phivolcs said no upwelling of hot volcanic fluids was observed in the Main Crater Lake on Volcano Island during the monitoring period.
The agency also reported the absence of volcanic smog, or vog, around the volcano.
Despite the decline in sulfur dioxide emissions and relatively quiet seismic activity, Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, which signifies low-level volcanic unrest.
Phivolcs warned that sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions remain possible and advised the public to stay away from the Permanent Danger Zone and continue monitoring official advisories.