Taal Volcano Spews 2.4-km Plume in Minor Eruption; Alert Level 1 Maintained

A minor phreatomagmatic eruption occurred at Taal Volcano on Thursday, July 17, 2025, between 3:01 p.m. and 3:13 p.m., as reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The event, which consisted of three eruptive activities lasting four to six minutes each, produced a dark plume of smoke that rose 2,400 meters (2.4 kilometers) above the main crater lake and drifted southeast.

PHIVOLCS has maintained Alert Level 1 over the volcano, signifying a low level of unrest. The agency explained that the phreatomagmatic activity was a result of magma coming into contact with water. This type of activity has been a recurring phenomenon at Taal since 2021.

Prior to the eruption, a strong tremor was recorded, and on the preceding Tuesday, two volcanic earthquakes and a five-minute volcanic tremor were also observed.

Authorities have reiterated that entry into the Taal Volcano Island (TVI), which is a permanent danger zone, is strictly prohibited. PHIVOLCS has also warned of the continued threat of sudden volcanic explosions, earthquakes, and the potential for lethal volcanic gas accumulation or release around the volcano. The recent plume, however, was directed away from the ongoing search and retrieval operations in the northwest of the volcano.