Philippines: Taal Volcano could erupt anytime

According to government scientists of Philippines, second-most active volcano of Philippines, Taal Volcano, can erupt anytime soon amid “anomalously high” volcanic gas emissions in Philippines.

Key Points

  • About 3,000 residents have left their homes from high-risk villages around Taal Volcano in Batangas province since the volcano erupted.
  • Since the recent eruption of Taal Volcano, several bursts of volcanic gas and steam have been generated by it.
  • Country also recorded the highest levels of volcanic sulphur dioxide gas emission after eruption. Sulphur dioxide emission is about 22,628 tonnes per day.
  • These volcanic emissions were accompanied by 26 strong and very shallow low-frequency volcanic earthquakes because of magmatic degassing”.

Background

Last eruption at Taal was observed on January 12, 2020. It displaced more than 376,000 people from nearby areas. 39 people, in evacuation centres, died because of illness and accidents caused by thick ashfall. Taal volcano has erupted 33 times since 1572.

Taal Volcano

Taal volcano, in Philippines, is a large caldera filled by Taal Lake. It is located in province of Batangas. It is considered as most active volcanoes in Philippines, with a total of 34 recorded historical eruptions. All these volcanoes were concentrated on Volcano Island, near Taal Lake. Caldera was formed by prehistoric eruptions during 140,000 and 5,380 BP. This volcano is a part of Ring of Fire. This volcano was known as Bombou or Bombon in the 1800s.

Ring of Fire

It is a region around rim of Pacific Ocean where several volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur. It is a horseshoe-shaped belt which is about 40,000 km long and 500 km wide. Ring of Fire comprises of Pacific coasts of South America, North America & Kamchatka.


Month: 

Leave a Reply