Taal, Philippines

Taal is a stratovolcano located about 45 miles (75 km) south of the capital, Manila. Several resorts have been built around its crater lake, due to the large number of tourists to the area. The last eruption of Taal was in 1977. Only minor damage was caused by this eruption. A large eruption of the volcano in 1965 killed 200 people. Taal has erupted 33 times in recorded history.

October 4, 1999

On 30 September, there were four geysering events associated with 89 high frequency volcanic tremors. Phivolcs has declared areas of the volcano off-limits due to the increased seismic and thermal activity.

October 1, 1999

Seismic and geyser activity has increased to alarming levels at the Taal Volcano. Some locations around the volcano are now off limits to tourists.

August 4, 1999

On 29 July, an alert was issued for the Taal Volcano due to increased seismicity and geysering episodes from a reactivated vent NE of the main crater lake. On 1 August, a mud geysering event lasted 9 hours and was accompanied by 3 volcanic earthquakes and steam eruptions. The Taal Volcano remains on a Level 1 alert and visits to the main crater area are banned.

July 29, 1999

On 27 July, the Taal Volcano spewed mud-laden geysers. Officials have begun to plan a warning for local residents. Geyser emissions on the volcano are becoming more frequent.

March 22, 1999

Although Taal has shown signs of unrest over the past month, reports by the press of an eruption were exagerated. No lava emission occurred at the volcano. Mud jetting did occur on several occassions from a new fumarolic vent. Tourists were warned to stay away from the island, although no evidence has been found of an imminent eruption.