TAAL Volcano experienced a minor phreatomagmatic eruption on Tuesday morning, December 3, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). This marks the volcano’s third eruption within a week, following similar events on November 28 and November 29. The volcano remains at Alert Level 1, indicating low-level unrest.
Tuesday’s eruption occurred at 5:58 a.m., producing a grayish plume that soared 2,800 meters into the atmosphere. The event was captured on the IP Camera of Phivolcs’ Buco Observation Station (VTBC).
Phreatomagmatic eruptions, like the one recorded, occur when magma interacts with water, resulting in explosive activity that may include lava fragments. In contrast, the November 28 and 29 eruptions were phreatic, or steam-driven, caused by the interaction of groundwater with hot magma. These earlier eruptions lasted 5 to 6 minutes each, producing “voluminous emissions” with plumes rising up to 1,500 meters.
In its bulletin on Tuesday, Phivolcs reported two volcanic tremors lasting four minutes on Monday, December 2. Prior to this, seismic activity had been minimal. However, the sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emission rate remains elevated, recorded at 7,216 tons per day on November 30 and increasing to 7,600 tons per day on Tuesday.
On the same day, the volcano also produced a 600-meter-high plume, classified as “moderate emissions” by Phivolcs.
Residents near Taal Volcano are advised to remain vigilant, as the ongoing activity poses risks of phreatic eruptions, volcanic earthquakes, ashfall, and gas emissions. Phivolcs strongly prohibits entry into Taal Volcano Island, designated as a Permanent Danger Zone.
The agency continues to monitor the situation closely and urges local communities to follow safety protocols to mitigate risks associated with the volcano’s unrest.