Why in news?
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported several short-lived eruptions at Taal Volcano on 25 - 26 October 2025. Phreatic and phreatomagmatic bursts sent steam-rich plumes 1.2-2.1 km above the crater and minor ashfall was recorded downwind. The agency maintained Alert Level 1 but advised people to stay away from the volcano island and warned of possible hydromagmatic explosions.
Background
Taal Volcano lies on an island within a large lake about 65 km south of Manila in the Philippines. It sits inside a 25 x 30 km caldera formed by prehistoric eruptions. A 5 km-wide volcanic island at the lake's centre hosts a crater lake and multiple eruption vents. Taal is classed as a complex stratovolcano because it has several overlapping cones and vents rather than a single summit. The volcano has a history of frequent eruptions; a major explosive event in January 2020 produced ash plumes up to 14 km and displaced thousands of residents.
Key points
- Recent eruptions: Between 3:00 pm on 25 October and 7:30 am on 26 October 2025, PHIVOLCS recorded four short eruptions at Taal's main crater. These phreatic or phreatomagmatic events lasted one to ten minutes each and produced steam-rich plumes reaching heights of 1.2-2.1 km. Minor ashfall was reported over several barangays but no major lava eruption occurred. Seismicity remained low, and sulfur-dioxide emissions averaged around 2,800 tonnes per day.
- Hazards and precautions: Because Taal sits partly under water, sudden interactions between magma and lake water can trigger violent "base surges" and lahars. Authorities warn residents to avoid the volcano island and other high-risk areas around Taal Lake. Flying aircraft should avoid the area due to possible ash emissions.
- Complex volcano: Unlike a typical cone, Taal consists of multiple vents and cones scattered across the caldera. Its crater lake lies on a small volcanic island; several parasitic cones dot the lake floor. Such complexity makes eruption behaviour unpredictable.
- Long-term monitoring: PHIVOLCS monitors Taal with seismic stations, gas measurements and satellite data. Alert levels range from 0 (quiescent) to 5 (major eruption); at Alert Level 1 only steam-driven or phreatomagmatic activity is expected, but residents should remain vigilant.
Conclusion
Taal Volcano is one of the Philippines' most active and dangerous volcanoes. Although the October 2025 events were relatively small, they highlight how quickly activity can change. Continuous monitoring and adherence to safety advisories are vital to protect communities around the lake.
Sources: Watchers News; Yeni Safak; Global Volcanism Program.