Taal and Kanlaon Volcanoes show activity on the same day, PHIVOLCS reports

Report by Mary Ruth Orendain | Photo by PHIVOLCS

On Sunday, February 16, 2025, two of the Philippines' most active volcanoes, Kanlaon and Taal exhibited heightened volcanic activity, prompting close monitoring by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Kanlaon Volcano, located on Negros Island, emitted ash twice on Saturday and recorded 29 volcanic earthquakes. Alert Level 3 remains in effect, indicating intensified or magmatic unrest. PHIVOLCS has advised residents and local authorities to remain vigilant as further eruptions are possible.

Meanwhile, In Batangas province, Taal Volcano experienced a minor phreatic eruption on Sunday, February 16. The eruption commenced at 8:20 AM and lasted approximately four minutes, generating a 900-meter-high ash plume that drifted southwest.

This event was captured by cameras in Barangays Buco (Talisay) and Barigon (Agoncillo), this was the second minor phreatic eruption at Taal within a 24-hour period, following an earlier event on Saturday, February 15, which released 407 tons of sulfur dioxide. Despite these activities, Taal remains under Alert Level 1, signaling low-level unrest with the potential for sudden phreatic explosions.

Authorities are closely monitoring the simultaneous activity and urging the public to stay vigilant and follow safety advisories and evacuation protocols as needed.

Just this Thursday, Kanlaon experienced a minor explosive eruption at 3:11 PM, lasting two minutes. An ash plume rose 600 meters above the summit, drifting southwest and causing minor ashfall in some surrounding barangays, while Taal had a minor phreatic eruption from its main crater, lasting approximately 3 minutes and 27 seconds on Saturday.

Kanlaon Volcano’s most significant eruption in recent history occurred in 2016, featuring a series of three explosions in June. It emitted ash columns that reached 1,500 meters and prompted evacuations in nearby areas. Meanwhile, Taal erupted in January 2020, causing widespread ashfall and the evacuation of over 300,000 residents in Batangas and nearby provinces. Both volcanoes have a long history of intermittent eruptions.