TAAL EMITS 'ANOMALOUSLY HIGH' SULFUR DIOXIDE

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Tuesday night an anomalously high sulfuric dioxide (SO2) from Taal Volcano.

Highest ever recorded volcanic sulfur dioxide gas flux that day is at 25, 456 tonnes/day, the agency said.

The averaged emission of S02 is 8,854 tonnes/day since September 27, 2021, from which time the volcano has “fallen seismically quiet” (zero volcanic earthquakes per day).

Recent degassing in the main crater was moderate to strong and generated steam-laden plumes that rose 3,000 meters.

Phivolcs reminded the public that Alert Level 2 still prevails over Taal volcano and high levels of magnetic degassing from the main crater might trigger explosive activity.

The agency strongly recommends that entry into Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone, especially the vicinities of Main Crater and the Daang Kastila Fissure, as well as human activities be strictly prohibited.

Phivolcs asked local government to continuously assess and strengthen the preparedness of previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake in case of renewed unrest.

Taal continued to show activity since its eruption in January 2020, affecting thousands of families and caused worth-billions of damages.

Reference: TAAL VOLCANO ADVISORY 5 October 2021 7:00 P.M. (dost.gov.ph)

Manunulat: Gerald Cain