What’s going on?
On July 1, 2021, Taal Volcano was placed on Alert Level 3 for releasing a “dark phreatomagmatic plume” that reached a height of about one kilometer. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said that this increase in alert level meant a "magmatic intrusion" at the main crater which "may further drive succeeding eruptions. While still unsure of the outcome, authorities warned that this could potentially cause a more hazardous situation compared to the eruption last year.
Where is the Taal Volcano?
Taal Volcano is located in the province of Batangas, which is about 60 km southeast of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Situated in a caldera system, it is one of the most active volcanoes in the country. The volcano has around 35 recorded eruptions since 3,580 BCE.
Recent Activity
In January 2020, almost a year and a half before this, Taal Volcano generated ash plumes that were 500 to 1000 meters tall and dispersed ash that reached as far as Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley. As a result, it was placed on Alert Level 4. This caused 235,655 individuals or 61,123 households to be displaced.
What are the Alert Levels?
The volcanic alert levels are used to guide appropriate responses to the circumstances of the volcano. These levels differ for each volcano as their various geological structures may imply different things.
Credits to Phivolcs
Alert Levels:
[0] Criteria: background, quiet
Interpretation: No eruption in foreseeable future.
[1] Criteria: Low-level seismicity, fumarolic, other activity
Interpretation: Magmatic, tectonic, or hydrothermal disturbance; no eruption imminent.
[2] Criteria: Low to moderate level of seismicity, the persistence of local but unfelt earthquakes. Ground deformation measurements above baseline levels. Increased water and/or ground probe hole temperatures, increased bubbling at Crater Lake.
Interpretation:
A) Probable magmatic intrusion; could eventually lead to an eruption. B) If the trend shows a further decline, the volcano may soon go to level 1
[3] Criteria: Relatively high unrest manifested by seismic swarms including the increasing occurrence of low-frequency earthquakes and/or harmonic tremors (some events felt). Sudden or increasing changes in temperature or bubbling activity or radon gas emission or crater lake pH. Bulging of the edifice and fissuring may accompany seismicity.
Interpretation:
A) If the trend is one of increasing unrest, the hazardous eruption is possible within days to weeks. B) If the trend is one of decreasing unrest, the volcano may soon go to level 2
[4] Criteria; Intense unrest, continuing seismic swarms, including harmonic tremors and/or “low-frequency earthquakes” which are usually felt, profuse steaming along existing and perhaps new vents and fissures.
Interpretation: The hazardous eruption is possible within days.
[5] Criteria: Base surges are accompanied by eruption columns or lava fountaining or lava flows.
Interpretation: Hazardous eruption in progress. Extreme hazards to communities west of the volcano and ashfalls on downwind sectors.
What are Phreatomagmatic and Magmatic Activities?
Phreatomagmatic activity is when magma comes into contact with water, which can result in a very explosive reaction. They are driven by thermal contractions. On the other hand, magmatic activity is the release of magma caused by a build-up of gases and is driven by thermal expansion.
What is being done?
Evacuations are currently being conducted in high-risk areas of Agoncillo and Laurel. The Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas said 3,500 families or nearly 14,500 people have been reallocated to safe areas.
What should we do?
Phivolcs has confirmed on June 30 that volcanic smog or “vog” from the Taal Volcano has reached Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and other regions in Luzon. It warned that “vog” contains volcanic gasses such as sulfur dioxide which can irritate the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract.
It is recommended to stay indoors and wear masks, ideally N95 masks, to minimize exposure to the sulfur dioxide emission.
How to Prepare for a Volcanic Eruption
Credits to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Follow authorities’ instructions if they tell you to leave the area, no matter how safe it seems.
As you prepare to evacuate, a few things to remember to do is...
To tune in to the radio or television for volcano updates.
Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.
Review your emergency plan and gather your emergency supplies. Be sure to pack at least a 1-week supply of prescription medications.
Prepare an emergency kit for your vehicle with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, a flashlight, batteries, etc.
Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.
If no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation, or follow authorities’ instructions on where to obtain transportation.
Place vehicles under cover, if at all possible.
Put livestock in an enclosed area. Plan ahead to take pets with you, but be aware that many emergency shelters cannot accept animals.
Fill your clean water containers.
Fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply for washing.
Adjust the thermostat on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest possible temperature. If the power goes out, food will stay cooler longer.
Always be prepared in case of an emergency. Your Emergency Supply Kit must contain:
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit and manual
Emergency food and water
Manual (non-electric) can opener
Essential medicines
Sturdy shoes
Respiratory (breathing) protection
Eye protection (goggles)
Battery-powered radio
As you evacuate...
Take only essential items with you, including at least a 1-week supply of prescription medications.
If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
Disconnect appliances to reduce the likelihood of electrical shock when power is restored.
Make sure your automobile’s emergency kit is ready.
Follow designated evacuation routes—others may be blocked—and expect heavy traffic and delays.
If you are told to take shelter where you are…
Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Local authorities may evacuate specific areas at the greatest risk in your community.
Close and lock all windows and outside doors.
Turn off all heating and air conditioning systems and fans.
Close the fireplace damper.
Organize your emergency supplies and make sure household members know where the supplies are.
Make sure the radio is working.
Go to an interior room without windows that are above ground level.
Bring your pets with you, and be sure to bring additional food and water supplies for them.
It is ideal to have a hard-wired (non-portable) telephone in the room you select. Call your emergency contact—a friend or family member who does not live near the volcano—and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Remember that telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.
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