MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Sunday reported increased seismic events including volcanic earthquakes in Taal Volcano, which is currently under Alert Level 1.
Phivolcs said that the volcanic events were recorded by the Taal Volcano Network (TVN) located on Taal Volcano Island (TVI).
“It has been recording a pronounced increase in real-time seismic energy measurement, or RSAM, simultaneous with continuing volcanic tremor,” Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said.
A total of 19 volcanic earthquakes has been recorded by the TVN since August 9, 2025. Observations noted moderate to voluminous plume from the volcano’s main crater since the start of RSAM increase, Bacolcol said.
Phivolcs said the Batangas volcano has been degassing low levels of sulfur dioxide or SO2 since June 2025 with the latest emission measured on August 8, 2025, averaging 374 tons/day.
“These sharp increase in RSAM and vigorous steaming from the main crater may lead to a phreatic or even a minor phreatomagmatic eruption,” the Phivolcs chief said.
Phivolcs reminded the public that under Level 1, the volcano is still in abnormal condition and the threat of eruptive activity remains.
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, the agency said.
