The explosion of restive Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon province in Bicol on Monday affected at least 108,699 people in areas around the volcano, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council said. In its 6 p.m. update, the NDRRMC said the explosion affected 17 villages in Irosin town, five in Juban town, and 19 villages in Bulan town. Classes in all levels were suspended in Irosin town and in Masbate City, even as no village in Bulusan was affected since the ash drifted southwest. On the other hand, ash affected Daang Maharlika and Gate-Bulan Airport Road but these road sections remained passable, the NDRRMC said. Bulusan exploded for 19 minutes starting at 9:12 a.m. Monday, spewing ash three kilometers into the air. Among the affected areas and population were:
Irosin: 17 barangays (San Pedro, Bagsangan, Tinampo, Cogon, Bolos, Gulang–Gulang, Monbon, Gabao, Bulawan, Tongdol, Gumapla, Batang, San Isidro, Casini, Salvacion, Buenavista and Macawayan) were affected. Estimated affected population is 32,309 people. Of these, 75 families or 319 people were evacuated to Gallanosa National High School. Juban: 5 barangays (Guruyan, Sipaya, Maala, Calmayon and Puting Sapa) were affected. Children and pregnant women from Brgy Puting Sapa who evacuated Monday morning returned home in the afternoon. Bulan: 59 barangays with 76,390 people were affected.
Sorsogon provincial disaster management teams provided nebulizers, cough syrup and vitamins to affected towns. The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Irosin and Sorsogon proceeded to the affected barangays for possible search-and-rescue operations. All units and stations in Sorsogon are continuously monitoring the situation ready to respond to any eventualities, the NDRRMC said. Philippine Army trucks are assisting in the evacuation of villagers affected by ash falls. The Army's 9th Infantry Division used M35 trucks during the evacuation of affected residents in Juban. The 49th Infantry Battalion evacuated families from Puting Sapa village in Juban to Gallanosa National High School. For its part, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) deployed roadside workers and maintenance crew to clear affected roads and man a motorist assistance center. It also provided signages in affected road sections. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) coordinated with local residents in conducting ash clearing/flushing at the Maharlika Highway and roads. - KBK, GMA News 
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