Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 21) — State seismologists reported increased seismic activity at Bulusan Volcano on Monday, still not ruling out the possibility of a phreatic eruption in the next few days.
“Since 5:00 a.m. (Monday) until as of this release, a total of 65 volcanic earthquakes including one low-frequency volcanic earthquake have been recorded by the Bulusan Volcano Network. Most were weak and shallow events, but may indicate that a phreatic eruption could possibly occur within the next few hours to next few days,” the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in an advisory issued at 11:45 p.m.
The agency added that Alert Level 1 remains over Bulusan Volcano, which is located in Sorsogon Province.
Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum told CNN Philippines last week that the agency does not yet see the need to raise the alert status despite another eruption on June 12 as certain parameters have to be considered before doing so.
Authorities are still reminding the public to refrain from entering the four-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone and to exercise vigilance in the two-kilometer radius Extended Danger Zone on the southeast sector due to increased possibilities of sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions.
Pilots are also advised to avoid flying airplanes close to the volcano’s summit. Should a phreatic eruption occurs, those living within valleys and along river or 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.
