Cover Taal Volcano 2020 Eruption (Photo: Getty Images)
Taal Volcano 2020 Eruption (Photo: Getty Images)
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A series of phreatic eruptions were observed in Taal volcano this week. Here’s everything you need to know about it
If you are planning to take a glimpse of Taal's breathtaking beauty, consider taking a little detour—this week, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported signs of volcanic activity.
Taal is among the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. It lies at the southwestern end of a convergent boundary between the Eurasian and Philippine Sea tectonic plates, where volcanic activities frequently occur. It had been dormant for 43 years until it became active again in January 2020.
On April 21, 2024, the volcano again showed phreatic activities. Phivolcs, the first two steam-driven events, were recorded in the main crater between 8.50 am and 8.52 am and again at 9.09am and 9.12am. A third phreatic eruption also occurred on the same date at 11.02am.
Based on its bulletin, Phivolcs noted that 17 volcanic earthquakes, six of which were two to four minutes long, occurred from 12 a.m. on April 20 until 12 a.m. on April 21.
In case you missed it: Taal Volcano Situation 2021: Status, What To Expect, How To Help, And More
Above (Photo: Getty Images)
(Photo: Getty Images)
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Taal volcano also spewed a 1,200-metre-tall mixture of hot volcanic particles, water vapour, and other magmatic gases that drifted southwest, west-southwest, and northwest.
As of this post, Taal is currently under Alert Level 1 due to low-level unrest. Entry into the Taal volcano island is prohibited as it is under the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ). Flying aircraft close to the volcano is also not allowed.
Alert Level 1 or “Low Level of Volcanic Unrest” means there has been a slight increase in volcanic earthquakes and steam or gas activity. Sporadic explosions from existing or new vents are also evident.
More from Tatler: Active Volcanoes around the Philippines to look out for
What are phreatic eruptions?
Phreatic eruptions are steam explosions that happen when volcanic activities heat water beneath the ground or on the surface. When the water begins to boil, it evaporates or flashes into steam at temperatures between 500 degrees Celcius and 1170 degrees Celcius, leading to an explosive release of steam, liquid water, volcanic ash, volcanic blocks, and other debris.
The following are examples of the most recent phreatic eruptions in the Philippines:
- Mayon Volcano—February 04, 2024
- Mount Pinatubo—November 2021
- Taal Volcano January 2020
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Above Taal active volcano. Crater lake is spewing fumaroles of sulfur and steam from the boiling water lake. The volcano is classed a danger zone and its access is prohibited. (Photo: Getty Images)
Taal active volcano. Crater lake is spewing fumaroles of sulfur and steam from the boiling water lake. The volcano is classed a danger zone and its access is prohibited. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Safety Procedures
Phivolcs reiterated the following precautionary measures following past phreatic eruptions from Taal in September 2023:
- Stay inside the house
- Use an N95 mask when going outdoors
- Drink plenty of water
Below are important numbers to remember:
National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) hotlines
+632 8911 1406
+632 8912 2665
+632 8912 5668
+632 8911 1873
Philippine Red Cross Hotlines
143
+632 527 0000
+632 527 8385 to 95
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
