FOLLOWING an increase in seismic activity last Sunday, August 10, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) warned of a possible minor eruption in Taal. 

In an advisory released yesterday, the agency said that they recorded a sharp increase in the real-time seismic energy measurement (RSAM). 

“Since 5:25 a.m., stations of the Taal Volcano Network have been recording a pronounced increase in RSAM, simultaneous with continuing volcanic tremor,” said the announcement. 

RSAM tracks the strength of ground vibrations as they happen. It is used to measure the intensity of a volcanic activity and to detect changes that might signal a bigger eruption. 

According to PHIVOLCS, they have recorded 19 volcanic earthquakes since August 9 until Sunday morning. 

They warned that the increase in seismic activities in Taal might lead to a phreatic or minor phreatomagmatic eruption. 

This means that the Taal Volcano might produce short bursts of steam and ash or fine ash from shattered magma which can travel farther in the air. 

“At Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic or minor phreatomagmatic eruptions, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within TVI (Taal Volcano Island),” they explained. 

While the Taal remains under Alert Level 1 as of writing, local government units were urged to be alert, especially for the possible recurrence of volcanic sulfur dioxide— a colorless gas with sharp and colorless smell— as it might expose their communities. 

PHIVOLCS reported that Taal has been releasing low levels of sulfur dioxide since June, with Friday’s emissions averaging 374 tons per day.

The agency also cautioned civil aviation authorities to steer clear of flights over TVI, warning that ash from a sudden eruption could pose serious hazards to aircraft.