‘Low-level unrest’ continues at Bulusan Volcano

Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon continued to show signs of “low-level unrest” in the past 24 hours, with state volcanologists advising the public to refrain from entering the four-kilometer permanent danger zone.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin issued on Sunday, July 3, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said 129 volcanic earthquakes were recorded at Bulusan Volcano in the past 24 hours.

It has also detected a 150-meter-high “moderate” emission from the volcano.

Moreover, Bulusan Volcano’s sulfur dioxide or SO2 emission averaged 556 tons per day on July 2.

Phivolcs said the active volcano remains under Alert Level 1, which means it is still in an “abnormal” condition.

Bulusan Volcano’s status has been raised from Level 0 to Level 1, following a phreatic eruption on June 5. It had another phreatic eruption on June 12.

Phivolcs said that entry into the four-kilometer permanent danger zone is strictly prohibited due to possible sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions.

Meanwhile, the public is advised to remain vigilant when entering the two-kilometer extended danger zone, which is in the southeast sector of Bulusan Volcano.

Furthermore, people living within valleys and along river/stream channels especially on the southeast, southwest and northwest sector of the edifice were advised to be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall should another phreatic eruption occurs.