Taal Volcano in Batangas is becoming more active again, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The agency reported a jump in sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions and an increase in volcanic quakes.
In its latest 24-hour reading, Phivolcs measured 208 metric tons of SO₂ on Thursday. The plume reached about 600 meters above Taal Volcano Island before drifting away. This is still tagged as a weak emission, but it is much higher than the steady 72 metric tons recorded daily since Nov. 18.
The volcano also produced 40 volcanic earthquakes and 15 volcanic tremor episodes in the same period. From Nov. 1 to 28, the total count reached 458 volcanic quakes and 72 tremors. These numbers are higher than October’s 367 quakes and 69 tremors, and well above September’s tally of 189 quakes and 129 tremors.
Phivolcs explained that volcanic earthquakes come from magma-related activity beneath the volcano. Tremors are low-frequency vibrations caused by moving magma, clusters of small quakes, or minor internal explosions.
Taal had two minor phreatomagmatic bursts earlier this month, on Nov. 12 and Nov. 23.
Even with the rise in gas output and seismic activity, Taal remains under Alert Level 1, meaning low-level unrest. The public is still barred from entering Taal Volcano Island, especially the main crater and the Daang Kastila trail.
The Civil Aviation Authority also reminded pilots to avoid flying near the area due to the risk of sudden ash emissions.