PHIVOLCS reported increased and continuous gas emissions at Taal in a special report issued on 12 October. Pronounced upwelling of gasses and hot fluids in the lake produced short plumes that drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions were as high as 9,762 tonnes per day (t/d), the highest measurement recorded in 2023; emissions in September and October averaged 3,781 t/d. These upwellings in the lake continued during 14-16 October and sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 4,878 t/d on 14 October. 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).

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)