BATANGAS, Philippines — Taal Volcano experienced a minor eruption lasting about five minutes on Thursday evening, October 8, sending a dark gray plume approximately 4,000 meters above its Main Crater, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
The phreatomagmatic eruption started at 6:06 p.m. and was confirmed through seismic data and camera footage from the Taal Volcano Network, Phivolcs reported.
The volcanic plume was captured by cameras positioned at the Main Crater West Rim, Daang Kastila, and Buco.
Phivolcs warned that light ashfall could reach towns along the southwestern shore of Taal Lake, including Agoncillo, Lemery, San Nicolas, Taal, and other nearby areas in Batangas.
A phreatomagmatic eruption happens when magma comes into contact with water, triggering an explosive interaction that produces steam, ash, and sometimes fragmented volcanic materials.
Before the incident, Phivolcs recorded 82 minutes of volcanic tremor during its 24-hour monitoring period, which covered midnight of October 7 through midnight of October 8.
Alert Level 1 remains in effect at Taal Volcano, indicating continued low-level volcanic unrest.
Authorities urged the public to stay away from Taal Volcano Island, particularly the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, which are designated permanent danger zones.
People are also prohibited from staying or boating on Taal Lake. Aircraft operators have likewise been advised to avoid flying near the volcano.
Phivolcs reminded the public to remain alert for potential hazards, including steam-driven or phreatic explosions, gas-driven eruptions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and dangerous concentrations or sudden releases of volcanic gas.