Bulusan acting up anew — Phivolcs
Phivolcs has warned the public against entering the four-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone, particularly near the vents
Daily TribunePhivolcs has warned the public against entering the four-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone, particularly near the vents
Mt. Bulusan (File Photo)
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, or Phivolcs, on Monday warned of increased chances of steam-driven or phreatic eruptions occurring at the crater or summit of Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon province.
Phivolcs said it has recorded 87 volcanic earthquakes in the Bulusan Volcano Network since 5 a.m. on 14 October, of which 29 were volcano-tectonic earthquakes. The agency also observed weak to moderate degassing at the active summit crater and vents this week.
Bulusan has emitted an average of 241 tons of volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas daily since 19 October. Phivolcs also noted an increase in volcanic carbon dioxide concentrations from June to August 2023, and an increase in volcanic spring temperatures since February.
Phivolcs said these parameters indicate that hydrothermal activity driven by deep magma degassing may be occurring beneath the volcano and may lead to steam-driven eruptions at any of the summit vents.
However, Bulusan remains under Alert Level 0 (normal) although Phivolcs reminded the public that increased chances of steam-driven or phreatic eruptions occurring at the crater or summit area are still expected.
Phivolcs has warned the public against entering the four-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone, particularly near the vents on the south-southeastern slopes due to the possibility of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, rockfalls and landslides.
Flying close to the volcano's summit should also be avoided as ash from a sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.
Phivolcs also warned people living in the valleys and along the river or stream channels to be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahar in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall.
