A short-lived phreatomagmatic (combination of magma and water) eruption occurred at the main crater of the Taal Volcano early Wednesday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). In the past 24 hours, the Taal Volcano Network recorded 55 volcanic earthquakes, including an explosion-type earthquake, 44 low frequency volcanic earthquakes, five volcanic tremor events having durations of two to five minutes, five hybrid earthquakes and low-level background tremor. The Phivolcs official said the volcano continues to emit high levels of sulfur dioxide or SO2 and 1,500-meter steam-rich plumes before drifting southwest. He said that if monitored parameters are on the decline that would be the time to lower the alert status of the volcano. Stand down procedure or lowering of alert status that is being followed is two weeks of continuous downtrends," he said.

Source: Manila Times July 07, 2021 02:59 UTC