STO. TOMAS City, Batangas — Steam-driven or phreatic eruptions were observed on Saturday (20 April 2024) morning at Taal Volcano as reported in separate advisories by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
The eruptions occurred from 8:50 AM to 8:52 AM, followed by similar activity from 9:09 AM to 9:12 AM, according to the OCD.
Residents in Batangas living near Taal Volcano were urged to remain vigilant and adhere to the guidance provided by authorities regarding the current status of Taal.
As of the time of posting, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has not yet issued an advisory regarding Taal’s latest phreatic eruptions.
In its most recent bulletin, issued at midnight on April 20, Saturday, Phivolcs indicated Alert Level 1, signifying low-level unrest for Taal.
In its latest advisory, Phivolcs reiterated that entry into Taal Volcano Island is strictly prohibited, particularly in the main crater and Daang Kastila fissures. The island has been designated as a permanent danger zone.
Boating on Taal Lake and flying aircraft close to the volcano are also prohibited.
The agency further emphasized that explosions, volcanic earthquakes, slight ashfall, and the accumulation or expulsion of toxic volcanic gases may occur in the area.
Earlier, Phivolcs reported at least five phreatic eruptions observed at the volcano on April 12, Friday, with one event lasting 13 minutes.
A phreatic eruption and a volcanic tremor at Taal were recorded by Phivolcs the following day.
(el ami)