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MANILA, Philippines – Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission from Taal Volcano again surged on Thursday, August 11, prompting state volcanologists to warn of volcanic smog and acid rain.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Friday, August 12, that a total of 13,572 tons per day of SO2 had been recorded on Thursday.
The high SO2 emission “produced significant volcanic smog or vog” over the Taal Caldera, which thickened between 9 am and 2 pm on Thursday.
Phivolcs added that residents of the following areas in Batangas province reported a “sulfurous stench”:
- Banyaga, Agoncillo
- Poblacion 5, Boso-boso, and Gulod, Laurel
- Poblacion, Talisay
Vog can irritate the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract. People with respiratory or heart ailments, the elderly, pregnant women, and children may be particularly vulnerable to its effects.
Phivolcs previously warned of SO2 spikes on August 3, at 12,125 tons per day, and just last Sunday, August 7, at 17,141 tons per day.
Since July 15, SO2 emission has averaged 7,818 tons per day, much higher than the average of 1,289 tons per day recorded between May and mid-July.
SO2 is a major gas component of magma.
Phivolcs also said degassing has increased since the start of August, as seen in the upwelling of volcanic fluids in the Main Crater Lake and the “voluminous” steam-rich plumes.
On Thursday night, the steam-rich plumes rose 2,800 meters or 2.8 kilometers above Taal Volcano Island.
Degassing activity in the Taal Main Crater between 9:00AM and 2:00PM yesterday, 11 August 2022, captured by the IP Camera of the remote station VTMC. Upwelling of volcanic fluids and volcanic smog or vog are visibly transpiring during this period. pic.twitter.com/oCdV3hcda5
— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) August 12, 2022
Acid rain
In addition to vog, acid rain “can be generated during periods of rainfall and volcanic gas emission over areas where the plume disperses,” Phivolcs warned.
The agency said acid rain can damage crops and affect metal roofs of houses and buildings.
Crop damage was reported in Cabuyao City, Laguna, last Monday, August 8.
There were also 5 shallow volcanic tremors lasting 3 to 8 minutes in the latest observation period.
Taal Volcano has been under Alert Level 1 since July 11.
Under Alert Level 1, these are possible:
- sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions
- volcanic earthquakes
- minor ashfall
- lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas
If the unrest escalates further, Taal Volcano could be raised back to Alert Level 2. – Rappler.com
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