Minor Eruption Lasting 5 Minutes at Taal Volcano Main Crater — 4,000m Ash Plume, Alert Level 1 Maintained, Ashfall Advisory for Parts of Batangas

📌 On the evening of Thursday, October 8, a minor phreatomagmatic eruption lasting about 5 minutes occurred at the main crater of Taal Volcano in Batangas, sending a plume of ash up to 4,000 meters high. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) maintained Alert Level 1 and advised that light ashfall could affect towns southwest of Taal Lake.

■ What Happened
· A 5-minute eruption occurred at the Taal Volcano main crater on the evening of Thursday, October 8, with an ash plume reaching 4,000 meters high.
· Alert Level 1 remains in effect.
· Areas expected to be affected by ashfall: Agoncillo, Lemery, San Nicolas, and Taal in Batangas province, along with neighboring areas.
· The mayor of Agoncillo directed the evacuation of residents on the night of the 8th, and residents relocated to the PAGCOR Multi-Purpose Center and relatives' homes (the number of evacuees was not reported).

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· When ashfall occurs, cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth or mask (requested by PHIVOLCS).
· Ash can be harmful to people, animals, plants, and buildings, so clean up accumulated ash with care.
· If you have travel plans around Taal Lake, check the latest PHIVOLCS announcements before heading out.

■ Sources
GMA News (10/8, 10/9 — evacuation confirmed in one location), The Manila Times (10/8)