Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 25) — State seismologists on Wednesday said Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon was placed under Alert Level 1 due to low level unrest.
In an advisory, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said there have been a sustained series of volcanic quakes since Oct. 14, where 121 earthquakes have been recorded.
The agency noted that apart from the quakes, there is also ground deformation, and a notable increase of volcanic carbon dioxide concentrations, and that a spring’s temperature had increased as well.These parameters indicate that hydrothermal activity driven by deep-seated magma degassing may be occurring beneath the volcano and may lead to steam-driven eruptions at any of its summit vents,’ said the advisory.Because of the alert level, residents near the area are reminded that entry into the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone should be prohibited.Vigilance in the two-kilometer Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) in the southeast sector must be exercised due to increased possibilities of sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions from the summit crater and/or lateral vents,” Phivolcs added.Pilots are also reminded to avoid flying close to Bulusan’s summit as ash from any phreatic eruption could be hazardous.
