Bulusan shows unrest with 57 quakes

Bulusan Volcano in the province of Sorsogon registered 57 quakes, according to the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

In the latest bulletin issued by PHIVOLCS spanning midnight of Friday to Saturday midnight, Bulusan also emitted 368 tonnes of sulfur dioxide with voluminous plumes reaching 150 meters tall before drifting west-northwest.

The volcano’s edifice remains inflated, suggesting the buildup of magma or volcanic gases beneath the surface.

Phivolcs warned of a possible phreatic or steam-driven eruption, which can occur when water comes into contact with hot volcanic material.

Residents are strongly advised to stay out of the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone and the Extended Danger Zone. Flying an aircraft close to the volcano also remains prohibited.

Bulusan last erupted on 29 April with ashfall reported in the towns of Irosin, Juban and Magallanes. The volcano remains under Alert Level 1, indicating that it is in a state of low-level unrest.