Bea Allyson Alimangohan

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) advised civilians in the area around Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon to take caution following the raised alert status of the volcano from Alert Level 0 (Normal) to Alert Level 1 (Low-level Unrest) on 7:00 AM of April 28.
 

According to seismic and infrasound records of PHIVOLCS, a phreatic eruption lasting for 24 minutes occurred from the summit crater of Bulusan at 04:36 AM of April 28 that generated a ‘bent plume that rose 4,500 meters above the crater’.

PHIVOLCS prohibited entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and reminded households to be vigilant around the 2-kilometer Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) on the southeast sector where possible impacts of volcanic hazards such as ballistic projectiles, rockfall, avalanches and ashfall on these danger areas projected to happen.

“Our recommendation is there should be no residents inside the four-kilometer permanent
danger zone of Bulusan Volcano,” PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol said in an interview.

PHIVOLCS director said that there are ashfall reported cases in places in Sorsogon region, specifically, in barangays Cogon and Bolos in Irosin, Puting Sapa, Guruyan and Buraburan in Juban and Tulatula Sur in Magallanes.

The Department of Health (DOH) and PHIVOLCS reminded the communities around Bulusan to take precautionary measures such as wearing N95 face masks or wet cloth to prevent ash inhalation, safety goggles, long sleeves and pants.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) issued a notice to airmen for the Bulusan Volcano to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as PHIVOLCS advised.

According to Bacolcol, before the recent activity of Mt. Bulusan which last erupted in June 2022, there were 53 volcanic earthquakes recorded for 24 hours, approximately 15-minute rumbling before the eruption and it was expected to have volcanic activities succeeding to the event.

“There is always the possibility (of increasing to Alert Level 2) but as to when, we don’t know yet, but we are closely monitoring the activity of Bulusan.” PHIVOLCS monitoring in Bulusan Volcano’s condition and activity still proceeded as Bacolcol said.