The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the Alert level status of Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon to level one from level 0 due to “low-level unrest.”
In its 3 pm bulletin released on Thursday, Phivolcs said it has recorded 126 weak and shallow volcanic earthquakes since 5:00 am on Tuesday, Oct. 11.
This, according to them, mostly occurred in the northwestern sector and the summit area of Bulusan and is attributed to rock-fracturing processes within the edifice.
Apart from the volcanic quakes, Phivolcs said it has observed ground deformation, volcanic carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, and sulfurous odor.
Phivolcs strongly advised the public and local government units to refrain from entering into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).
“[V]igilance in the 2-kilometer Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) on the southeast sector must be exercised due to the increased possibilities of sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions,” it added.
Civil aviation authorities, meanwhile, are directed to advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as the ash from any sudden eruption could be hazardous to aircraft.
“People living within valleys and along river/stream channels especially on the southeast, southwest and northwest sector of the edifice should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall should a phreatic eruption occur,” it added.
Phivolcs said it maintains close monitoring of the Bulusan Volcano and any new development would be communicated to all concerned stakeholders.
