THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) yesterday warned of a possible eruption of Taal Volcano, noting the volcano’s increased seismic activity.
In an advisory, Phivolcs said its stations on Taal Volcano Island have recorded a “pronounced increase” in real-time seismic amplitude measurements or RSAM, simultaneous with continuing volcanic tremor.
“A total of nineteen volcanic earthquakes have been recorded by the TVN (Taal Volcano Network) since 09 August 2025,” Phivolcs said in the advisory.
Phivolcs said it has also observed a “moderate to voluminous plume” from the Taal crater.
“Taal has been degassing low levels of sulfur dioxide or SO2 since June 2025 with the latest emission measured on 8 August 2025, averaging 374 tonnes per day,” Phivolcs said.
“These sharp increases in RSAM and vigorous steaming from the main crater may lead to a phreatic or even a minor phreatomagmatic eruption,” Phivolcs also said.
Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, which means, Phivolcs said, the volcano “is still in abnormal condition.”
“At Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic or minor phreatomagmatic eruptions, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within TVI (Taal Volcano Island),” it said.
Phivolcs said entry to the TVI, which is actually classified as a permanent danger zone, should remain “strictly prohibited.”
“Local government units are advised to continuously prepare for potential recurrence of volcanic SO2 increases and exposure of their communities and undertake appropriate response measures to mitigate the health impacts of these hazards,” said Phivolcs.
Also, civil aviation authorities “must also advise pilots to avoid flying above TVI as ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.”
