Eruption of Taal Volcano Sends Plume Over 2 km High

The Taal Volcano in the Philippines erupted, sending a 2 km high plume of steam into the sky. Located near Manila, Taal is one of the smallest active volcanoes in the world. Despite its size, previous eruptions have significantly impacted the capital and air travel. No evacuations have been ordered yet.

The Philippines' Taal Volcano near the capital region erupted on Wednesday, projecting a plume of steam that rose over 2 km (1.24 miles) high, according to the seismology agency.

Situated about 70 km (45 miles) south of Manila, Taal is among the smallest active volcanoes globally. Despite its stature, its historical eruptions have notably disrupted the capital and air travel. The agency's chief Teresito Bacolcol categorized this eruption as phreatomagmatic, a reaction of magma with water that produces steam.

The volcano is positioned inside a large lake near Tagaytay in Cavite province. Bacolcol reported that the phreatomagmatic eruption was confined to the volcano island. "We're inspecting for ashfall on the eastern side, but no evacuation orders have been issued," Bacolcol confirmed via phone. The alert level remains the lowest, with no immediate injuries reported. Taal stands at 311 m (1,020 feet), yet it has been deadly; over 1,300 people were killed in a 1911 eruption. In recent years, significant eruptions in July 2021 and January 2020 led to large-scale evacuations and severe disruptions.

(With inputs from agencies.)