Successive eruptions at Taal Volcano: Sky turns black in the 'Ring of Fire'

Eruptions have occurred at Taal Volcano, located near the Philippine capital, Manila. Authorities have informed residents in the region to stay away from the eruption zone.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) announced that 'phreatic (steam-driven) eruptions' are continuing at the volcano.

According to the statement, 5 phreatic eruptions lasting between 2 and 6 minutes occurred yesterday between 01:10 and 16:37 local time. An 11-minute 'phreatomagmatic eruption' occurred at the main crater between 16:21 and 16:32.

SMOKE CLOUDS REACHED A HEIGHT OF TWO AND A HALF KILOMETERS

Following these eruptions, a black column of steam was ejected toward the northeast, reaching a height of 2,400 meters.

The statement noted that the alert level remains at its lowest, and that the activities of Taal Volcano are being closely monitored.

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol told local media that more than 40 similar eruptions have occurred at the volcano since April.

Bacolcol stated, 'We can expect similar eruptions to occur from time to time, but the alert status will remain at Level 1.'

ERUPTIONS MAY CONTINUE

Warning those living near the region that 'phreatic eruptions can be dangerous,' Bacolcol stated that people should not approach the volcano.

It is known that more than 1,300 people died in the January 1911 eruption of the 311-meter-high volcano, and its ash reached as far as Manila.

It was recorded that nearly 40 people lost their lives in the region after the volcano erupted 4 times between January 2020 and March 2022.

Taal, located approximately 70 kilometers from the capital Manila, is described as one of the smallest volcanoes in the world.

The Philippines is located on a fault line in the Pacific known as the 'Ring of Fire,' where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are frequent.

News Source: AA