PH’s Smallest Volcano Emits Sulfur Dioxide Anew

The Philippines’ smallest volcano is showing some activity again as Taal Volcano was recently reported to have spewed out “anomalously high” amounts of sulfur dioxide.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), a total of 23,576 tonnes of volcanic sulfur dioxide was expelled from the volcano.

The Institute said that the sulfur dioxide released on the night of 15th October 2021 was the second-highest, with Taal releasing 25,456 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on 5th October 2021 being the highest. It also said that the emissions were due to the degassing of the volcano.

The recent degassing was noted to have been voluminous and that it created steam-laden plumes as tall as three kilometres above the Taal Volcano Island (TVI).

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that the volcanic fog from the volcano can be expected to drift to the general north to west based on its air parcel trajectory forecasts.

PHIVOLCS has still maintained Alert Level 2 within and around the TVI. At this level, sudden steam or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around a volcano.

Entry into TVI and Taals’ Permanent Danger Zone, especially the vicinities of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, is still strictly prohibited.

Taal Volcano was noted to have resumed volcanic activity on 11th October 2021 after 15 days of inactivity. Since then, 145 events made up of low-frequency earthquakes and volcanic tremors associated with magma and magmatic gas flow were recorded.

PHIVOLCS will continue to monitor the situation for any new significant development.