Alert Level 3 (Magmatic Unrest) was raised over Taal Volcano at 3:37 PM today, after a phreatomagmatic eruption from the Main Crater occurred at 3:16 PM. The eruption lasted five (5) minutes based on visual monitors and generated a dark jetted plume approximately one (1) kilometer high. The event recorded mid-course as a low-frequency explosion earthquake but was not preceded by seismic or ground deformation precursors. However, anomalously high volcanic SO₂ gas emission preceded the eruption, averaging 14,241 tonnes/day and 13,287 tonnes/day respectively on 28 June and 1 July (morning of today) 2021. A marked increased in volcanic gas upwelling also began on 28 June 2021 that generated plumes that rose some three (3) kilometers above Taal Volcano Island.

Since the phreatomagmatic event earlier this afternoon, four (4) short phreatomagmatic bursts have occurred that lasted not longer than two (2) minutes each and produced short jetted plumes that rose 200 meters above the Main Crater Lake. These events occurred at 6:26 PM, 7:21 PM, 7:41 PM and 8:20 PM. Upwelling of the Main Crater Lake that began at 8:07 PM  tonight is ongoing.

The Alert Level 3 status of Taal means that there is ongoing magmatic extrusion at the Main Crater that may further drive succeeding explosions. PHIVOLCS strongly recommends Taal Volcano Island and high-risk barangays of Bilibinwang and Banyaga, Agoncillo and Boso-boso, Gulod and eastern Bugaan East, Laurel, Batangas Province be evacuated due to the possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami should stronger eruptions subsequently occur. The public is reminded that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and entry into the island as well as high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel must be prohibited. All activities on Taal Lake should not be allowed at this time. Communities around the Taal Lake shores are advised to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures against possible airborne ash and vog and calmly prepare for possible evacuation should unrest intensify. Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying over Taal Volcano Island as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and pyroclastic density currents such as base surges may pose hazards to aircraft. DOST-PHIVOLCS maintains its close monitoring of Taal Volcano and any new development will be communicated to all concerned stakeholders.

DOST-PHIVOLCS