TAAL VOLCANO ADVISORY

29 February 2024

6:00 PM

This is a notice of elevated sulfur dioxide degassing from Taal Volcano.

A total of 14,558 tonnes/day of volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO₂ gas emission from the Taal Main Crater was measured today, 29 February 2024, the second highest flux recorded this year. Taal has averaged approximately 9,450 tonnes/day for the month of February 2024 and has been continuously degassing voluminous concentrations of SO₂ since 2021. Moderate winds have prevented the accumulation of SO₂ and no volcanic smog or vog over Taal Caldera was thus observed by visual monitors throughout the day. Volcanic earthquake activity has remained within baseline levels with only three volcanic earthquakes being recorded this month.

DOST-PHIVOLCS reminds the public that Alert Level 1 prevails over Taal Volcano, which means that it is still in abnormal condition and should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest nor ceased the threat of eruptive activity. At Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within Taal Volcano Island or TVI. Furthermore, degassing of high concentrations of volcanic SO₂ continues to pose the threat of potential long-term health impacts to communities around Taal Caldera that are frequently exposed to volcanic gas. DOST-PHIVOLCS strongly recommends that entry into TVI, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ, especially the vicinities of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, must remain strictly prohibited. Local government units are advised to continuously monitor and assess volcanic SO₂ exposure of, and potential impacts on, their communities and undertake appropriate response measures to mitigate these hazards.

DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders.