???? #Taal #Volcano Advisory issued on June 4, 2023.
At 01:00 PM reports an increase in degassing activity. Since the previous evening, there has been a noticeable release of volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake, resulting in large plumes of steam reaching a height of 3,000… pic.twitter.com/wUSrakgS0k
— Volcaholic ???? (@volcaholic1) June 4, 2023
Phivolcs saw vog and logged five volcanic shocks lasting 20 to 575 minutes in the last 24 hours as of 5 a.m. Friday, indicating heightened activity within Taal.
State volcanologists saw an upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in Main Crater Lake, which caused steam plumes to rise as high as 2,400 meters and drift west-southwest and southwest.
Volcanic smog detected in Taal
The Taal Main Crater’s sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas output reached 4,569 tons per day.
“Vog has been affecting the Taal region since the first week of September 2023 as an average of 3,402 tons per day SO2 has been degassed from Taal Volcano for the month,” Phivolcs said.
Vog, composed of fine droplets laden with volcanic gases, including sulfur dioxide, can be particularly hazardous to human health. It is known to cause irritation to the eyes, throat and respiratory tract.
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State volcanologists also observed a long-term deflation of the Taal Caldera, suggesting a decrease in pressure within the volcanic system. There has been a short-term inflation of the northern flanks of the Taal Volcano Island, indicating localized pressure buildup.
Phivolcs advised people with conditions like asthma, lung disease, heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women and children to follow the precautions:
- Reduce outdoor time and keep doors and windows closed to keep vog out.
- Wear an N95 facemask to cover the nose and mouth and drink water to soothe throat irritation. Seek medical help if symptoms are severe.
State volcanologists also warned about the potential for acid rain when gas emissions combine with rain, which can harm crops and corrode metal roofs.
Phivolcs has kept Taal Volcano at Alert Level 1, indicating ongoing unrest without an imminent eruption.
Local government units in Batangas and nearby areas have responded to the situation by suspending Friday classes as a precautionary measure.
Source- philstar.com
