PHIVOLCS: Another Mt. Bulusan phreatic eruption possible with increase in seismic activity

A phreatic eruption may occur at Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon with an increase in seismic activity observed within the last 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported late Thursday evening.

"Since 5:00 AM today until as of this release, a total of 45 volcanic earthquakes including two (2) low-frequency volcanic earthquakes have been recorded by the Bulusan Volcano Network," PHIVOLCS reported in the Bulusan Volcano Advisory posted at 11:20 p.m.

"Most of these were weak and shallow events, but may indicate that a phreatic eruption could possibly occur within the next few hours," the agency added.

PHIVOLCS underscored that Alert Level 1 remains over Bulusan, which indicates continued abnormal activity in the area.

The agency posted a reminder to local government units and the public that entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) must be strictly prohibited.

"Vigilance in the 2-kilometer Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) on the southeast sector must be exercised due to the increased possibilities of sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions," it said.

"Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft," the agency also said.

The people living with the area, especially on the southeast, southwest and northwest of the volcano should remain vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall should phreatic eruption occur.

DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Bulusan Volcano and assured that updates will be relayed to all concerned stakeholders. -- BAP, GMA News