JACA, Heaven Marie L.

January 20, 2020

HUMSS11B1 Mr. Darren Idea

Last January 12, the second active volcano in the Philippines, Taal Volcano was
reported to be on its state of eruption. It was confirmed as ashes and steams were spewed by
the dormant volcano which made it reach the Alert Level 2 of the Philippine Institute of
Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The Alert Level 2 indicates a slight increase of
volcanic earthquake, steam gas activity or emission, ground deformation, intermittent steam or
ash explosion, above baseline Sulfur Dioxide 2 (SO2) and increased swelling of volcanic edifice
that were very evident to the areas of the volcano. This is because of a phreatic eruption
happening wherein the water beneath the ground or on the surface gets in contact with hot
magma.
On the same date, 4:00PM, the volcano’s status was raised to Alert Level 3 (magmatic
unrest) as its ashes reach one kilometre high. It eventually achieved its highest status Alert
Level 4 (hazardous imminent) during the evening whereas steams from the volcano reached
CALABARZON and Metro Manila and ashfall was present. There were also frequent lightings
due to chemical reactions of electrical discharge caused by the eruption. Moreover, there are
rock fragments reaching 10 to 15 kilometres high and lava mud that affected several areas near
the volcano by power outage.
Classes were suspended on numerous towns of CALABARZON on the next day,
January 13, considering the continuous discharge of ashes by the volcano. Roads were also on
its state of zero visibility resulting to its first casualty. Furthermore, lava fountains were observed
from 2:49AM to 4:28AM. These were again visible during the late afternoon, 4:00PM, as new
lateral vents occurred, that was then measuring 500-meters high. Batangas was also declared
under the state of calamity and was advised to evacuate the area.
The alert status of Taal remained steady on the following days, however, forced
evacuation were conducted by PHIVOLCS last January 14. Evacuees include those who were
in the 14 kilometre radius around the volcano and a total lockdown on Talisay, Batangas was
approved. Safety were prioritized by the government considering the frequent volcanic
earthquakes happening. There were 49 volcanic earthquakes recorded by that day and 7 of
them were felt with intensities ranging from Intensity II to IV.
Moving on to the surface activity of the volcano, although it may seemed to be slightly at
ease, there is still a hydrovolcanic and magmatic activity as well as flashes of lightning. Fissures
and cracks are constantly appearing beneath the surface generating lava fountains. Likewise,
these fissures shows that the magma continues to rise. An 800-meter tall, dark gray,steam
laden plumes were also observed drifting to the Southwest area.
On the other hand, the early hours of January 15 were felt by 28 uninterrupted tremors
with intensities ranging from Intensity I to III. Ongoing laden plumes were still spotted as it
reached approximately 1000 meters high. Cities around the area became ‘ghost towns’ since it
was blanketed with ash. However, these ashes were reported to be helpful in terms of fertilizing
crops considering the composition of nutrients and vitamins it has. There is also an
improvement on air quality reported on the capital regions specifically Metro Manila since it
returned to normal, therefore classes were resumed.
 Despite the improvement of air quality, the Main Crater Lake of the Taal Volcano has
dried up and its connecting body of water, Pansipit River, was also afftected. These were
caused by the continuous appearance of cracks resulting to ground deformation. It may have
been generally weaker, according to PHIVOLCS, there are still plumes expelled that were 700-
meter tall lower than the previous record. Cavite was then placed as well under state of
calamity.
On the following day, January 16, Taal emitted weak discharge of ash plumes but
remained on an ‘intense seismic activity’. This is due to frequent earthquakes plotted. There
were also 9 discrete weak explosions recorded and short-lived dark gray ash plumes were
spotted during 6:17AM to 6:21AM measuring 500 and 800 meters high respectively.
Furthermore, there were no additional fissured or cracks mapped or declared.
After 24 hours, the activity in the main crater was characterized as steady steam
emission and ash plumes were reported to be reaching 100 to 800 meters tall high. However,
there are still existing steaming fissures and cracks. Residents from the area were still forbidden
to go back since the atmosphere is still hazardous. The eruption of the volcano was calmed
and billowing the thick smoke making passengers able to pass the roads.
Continuous observation are still conducted by PHIVOLCS as the alert level of the
volcano remains on its current status.