The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported continuing eruptive activity at Taal during 31 December 2024-6 January 2025. Daily emissions rose 550-900 m above the crater rim and drifted WNW, W, SW, and WSW. There were 1-5 periods of volcanic tremor during 2-4 and 6 January each lasting 3-15 minutes. A longer period of weak tremor was recorded during 4-6 January. Five and seven volcanic earthquakes were detected on 3 and 7 January, respectively.

In a special advisory PHIVOLCS stated that Realtime Seismic Amplitude Measurement (RSAM) values had significantly increased during 4-6 January. Based on visual observations the typical gas plume that rose from Main Crater was absent and, along with increased seismicity, may have indicated a blockage of the volcanic gas pathways. A minor phreatomagmatic event occurred at 1934 on 6 January and lasted for three minutes. A plume rose 600 m above the crater rim and drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 4,188 tonnes per day that same day. The Alert Level remained at 1 (on a scale of 0-5); PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island was a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and recommended that the Main Crater and areas along the Daang Kastila fissure should remain prohibited.

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)