‘Taal Volcano emits 10,796 tons of gas per day’

April 2, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Sulfur dioxide emission from Taal Volcano in Batangas remains high at 10,796 tons per day, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said an upwelling of hot volcanic fluids has been observed in the main crater lake of the volcano.

State volcanologists said that plume emissions reached 1,200 meters high and drifted southwest.

On March 28, Phivolcs reported an elevated volcanic sulfur dioxide degassing from Taal after the gas emission reached 18,638 tons, the highest flux recorded so far this year.

“Taal has averaged approximately 10,331 tons per day for this year, and has been continuously degassing voluminous concentrations of sulfur dioxide since 2021,” Phivolcs said.

It said moderate winds prevented the accumulation of sulfur dioxide, noting no volcanic smog or vog has been observed.

The public has been advised to stay indoors, shut doors and windows to block out volcanic gas, and wear N95 face masks.

Prolonged exposure to volcanic sulfur dioxide can cause irritation to the eyes, throat and respiratory tract.

Alert Level 1 remains over Taal, which means that it is still in an abnormal condition.

Entry into the volcano’s permanent danger zone, especially in the vicinities of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure is prohibited.