PHIVOLCS reported that a phreatic eruption at Taal was recorded during 0511-0524 on 12 April based on seismic data, infrasound data, and visual observations. A steam plume rose 2.4 km and drifted SW. Four phreatic eruptions recorded during 0945-1522 produced steam plumes that rose 100-300 m. The events originated from a new vent on the SW side of Taal Main Crater and each lasted 1-13 minutes long. A phreatic event was recorded at 1013 on 13 April, lasted for four minutes, and generated a steam plume that rose 600 m and drifted WNW. Sulfur dioxide emissions that same day averaged 4,709 tonnes per day. Steam emissions during 14-15 April rose as high as 900 m and drifted WSW. The Alert Level remained at 1 (on a scale of 0-5), and PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island was a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and to take extra precaution around Main Crater and along the Daang Kastila fissure.

Geological Summary. Taal is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines and has produced some powerful eruptions. The 15 x 20 km Talisay (Taal) caldera is largely filled by Lake Taal, whose 267 km2 surface lies only 3 m above sea level. The maximum depth of the lake is 160 m, with several submerged eruptive centers. The 5-km-wide Volcano Island in north-central Lake Taal is the location of all observed eruptions. The island is composed of coalescing small stratovolcanoes, tuff rings, and scoria cones. Powerful pyroclastic flows and surges have caused many fatalities.

Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)