On Thursday, July 1, 2020, The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) elevate the status of Taal Volcano to Alert Level 3 after a phreatomagmatic eruption started at 3 p.m. which the crater at the time created a momentary dark phreatomagmatic plume, that was one kilometer high. The same two smaller eruptions later in the day from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. lasted two minutes and generated plumes as high as 200 meters.
Phivolcs explained that the phreatomagmatic eruption was caused when the magma and water in the lake of the main crater came into contact. That’s why the water was converted to gas in the form of water vapor.
The institute reminded the public that the volcano island is a Permanent Danger Zone, entry into the vicinity is prohibited. Authorities on high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel in Batangas due to possible hazards have started their evacuation activities as of Thursday afternoon, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported.
“Evacuees are either staying in evacuation centers or with their relatives,” said Agoncillo Mayor Daniel Reyes. Reyes added that authorities are preparing relief goods and will be seeking assistance from the national and provincial governments.
This is a developing story.