Taal Volcano Alert: PHIVOLCS Warns of Possible Sudden Steam-Driven Eruption
TAAL VOLCANO – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has raised public concern over Taal Volcano, warning of a possible sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruption.
PHIVOLCS has issued an advisory on the possibility of a sudden steam-driven or minor phreatic eruption at Taal Volcano. While there are no visible gas emissions at present, a noticeable increase in seismic energy has been observed—an indication of a possible blockage in the volcano’s gas pathways that could lead to a pressure build-up.
According to PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, the advisory is a precautionary measure and does not necessarily mean that the volcano will erupt. “Nag-ano lang tayo ng pwedeng magkaroon ng sudden phreatic eruptions. It’s possible. Pwede ring wala. So, naglabas lang tayo ng advisory saying na ito ‘yung nakikita natin… Pwedeng magkaroon ng sudden steam-driven or minor explosive eruption,” said Bacolcol.
He further explained that the blockage in the gas pathways could trap pressure beneath the volcano. “So, pwedeng magkaroon ito ng na-block ‘yung pathways. So, itong blockage and trap pressure beneath sa volcano, so pwedeng magkaroon ng overpressurization, pwedeng magkaroon ng sudden release. So, it can cause a steam-driven or pwede ring magkaroon ng minor phreatic eruptions. So, kaya kami naglabas ng advisory,” he added.
PHIVOLCS continues to closely monitor the volcano’s activities and strongly advises the public to avoid Taal Volcano Island, which is designated as a permanent danger zone due to the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity in the area.
Dr. Teresito “Toto” Bacolcol, the current director of PHIVOLCS, is a geophysics expert who has long been involved in monitoring active volcanoes in the Philippines. He is known for his cautious and level-headed approach in issuing public advisories.
Taal Volcano, located in Batangas, is one of the most active volcanoes in the country. Its unique feature—a volcano situated within a lake—draws both scientists and tourists, but it also demands constant vigilance due to its frequent minor tremors and gas emissions.
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