Phivolcs records 5 volcanic quakes near Mount Bulusan

At least five volcanic quakes were recorded near restive Bulusan Volcano in Bicol Friday, even as the alert level there remained at "1." The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said there was no observation of lahar event and thermal vents, as clouds covered Bulusan's crater. "Visual observation of the crater and known thermal vents was not possible due to thick clouds covering the summit. No lahar event was reported or observed," it said in its website Saturday. Bulusan's status remains at Alert Level 1, meaning the source of activity is hydrothermal and shallow. However, Phivolcs maintained no entry to the 4-km Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is allowed since the area is at risk to sudden steam and ash explosions. Phivolcs also reminded residents in the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano are reminded to take precautions against ashfalls. Civil aviation authorities must also warn pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may pose hazards to aircraft, it added. "Furthermore, people living near valleys and river/stream channels should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahar in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall," it said. — LBG, GMANews.TV