Manila, Philippines – The Taal Volcano experienced a minor phreatomagmatic eruption at its main crater on Saturday afternoon, October 25, according to an advisory released by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

The eruption event was recorded at 5:30 p.m. local time. PHIVOLCS confirmed that the activity generated a significant column of steam and ash.

“This event generated plumes that rose 1,200 meters above the crater as recorded by the Main Crater IP Camera and thermal cameras,” PHIVOLCS stated in its public advisory.

A phreatomagmatic eruption is an explosive event resulting from the interaction of magma and water, which in Taal’s case is typically the water in its crater lake. While this activity indicates magma is rising and interacting with surface water, the alert level remains stable.

PHIVOLCS maintained the current status of the volcano at Alert Level 1, signifying that the volcano is exhibiting low-level unrest. At this level, while the immediate threat is low, sudden phreatic or phreatomagmatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, and minor ashfalls remain possibilities.

Authorities continue to monitor Taal closely.

Would you like me to elaborate on the meaning of a phreatomagmatic eruption or provide the safety guidelines associated with Alert Level 1?