TAAL VOLCANO ADVISORY

28 Mar 2024

4:30 PM

 

 

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

 

A total of 18,638 tonnes/day of volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO₂ gas emission from the Taal Main Crater was measured today, 28 March 2024, the highest flux recorded this year. Taal has averaged approximately 10,331 tonnes/day for the year 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 could be observed by visual monitors throughout the day. However, prolonged exposure to volcanic SO₂, especially of communities to the west and southwest of Taal Volcano Island or TVI, can cause irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract. People who may be particularly sensitive are those with health conditions such as asthma, lung disease and heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women and children. For communities that can be affected by volcanic SO₂, please be mindful of the following.

 

1. Limit your exposure. Avoid outdoor activities, stay indoors and shut doors and windows to block out volcanic gas.
2. Protect yourself. Cover your nose, ideally with an N95 facemask. Drink plenty of water to reduce any throat irritation or constriction. If belonging to the particularly sensitive group of people above, watch over yourself and seek help from a doctor or the barangay health unit if needed, especially If serious effects are experienced.

 

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 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.

 

 

DOST-PHIVOLCS