In a special report issued for Taal on 19 February, PHIVOLCS noted that sulfur dioxide emissions were as high as 14,211 tonnes per day (t/d) and that a sulfur odor was reported in the neighborhoods of Bilibinwang and Banyaga, in the Municipality of Agoncillo. Sulfur dioxide emissions have been continuously released since 2021 and averaged 10,000 t/d during January-February 2024. Seismicity has been low in 2024 with only 17 volcanic earthquakes, mainly associated with gas emissions. The Alert Level remained at 1 (on a scale of 0-5), and PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island was a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).

Geological Summary. Taal is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines and has produced some powerful eruptions. The 15 x 20 km Talisay (Taal) caldera is largely filled by Lake Taal, whose 267 km2 surface lies only 3 m above sea level. The maximum depth of the lake is 160 m, with several submerged eruptive centers. The 5-km-wide Volcano Island in north-central Lake Taal is the location of all observed eruptions. The island is composed of coalescing small stratovolcanoes, tuff rings, and scoria cones. Powerful pyroclastic flows and surges have caused many fatalities.

Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)