Why was there no lava when Bulusan erupted?

Why was there no lava when the Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon erupted last weekend?

As reported by Kuya Kim on “24 Oras” report Tuesday, this was because it was a phreatic eruption, which is caused by the interaction of hot magma and water and results only in ash.

Dr. Renato Solidum Jr., Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) officer-in-charge, said a phreatic eruption could also be called a steam-driven eruption.

According to Solidum, an explosive magmatic eruption happens if the volcano emits ash and rocks. A non-explosive magmatic eruption, meanwhile, causes a volcano to slowly release lava.

Meanwhile, the Bulusan Volcano, which has four craters, has a permanent danger zone (PDZ) of four kilometers. It means people are not allowed to live within the specified distance.

Volcanic ashes may cause inflammation to people’s skin and eyes. If it’s inhaled, it may cause damage to one’s lungs and worse, may cause suffocation that may lead to death.

Residents affected by volcanic eruptions are advised to wear masks and stay indoors or at home.

As of Monday morning, Bulusan is still under Alert Level 1 after 29 volcanic quakes were recorded. – Franchesca Viernes