The Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon erupted early morning on Monday, April 28, 2025, producing ashfall in nearby towns and prompting road clearing operations.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), a phreatic eruption occurred at 4:36 a.m. from the volcano’s summit crater.
The eruption lasted 24 minutes and produced a plume that rose about 4,500 meters before drifting west to southwest.
Ashfall was reported in the following barangays:
- Cogon and Bolos in Irosin
- Puting Sapa, Guruyan Buraburan in Juban
- Tulatula Sur in Magallanes
A pyroclastic density current also flowed down the southwestern slopes of the volcano, reaching up to three kilometers from the summit.
PHIVOLCS raised Bulusan’s status from Alert Level 0 (Normal) to Alert Level 1 (Low-level Unrest) following the eruption.
The agency said 53 volcanic earthquakes were recorded within the past 24 hours, and rumbling sounds were heard before the eruption.
"Phreatic eruptions are steam-driven explosions that happen when water comes into contact with hot volcanic materials. Pwedeng hot volcanic cracks or hot volcanic gases. And ang nangyari dito, its steam, ash and rock fragments. And wala pong involved dito na panibagong magma," PHIVOLCS Director, Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, said on GMA's Unang Balita.
Bacolcol said further activity is possible.
"'Yung steam-driven eruption kanina may be succeeded by the same similar events in the following days or following weeks," he said.
He added that there is no need for evacuation at this time, but residents must avoid the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone.
"Nasa alert level 1 ngayon ang Bulusan Volcano. So we raise it from alert level 0 to alert level 1. And ang recommendation naman natin is dapat walang tao inside the permanent danger zone," Bacolcol said.
RESPONSE
Clearing operations are now underway in Barangay Buraburan, Juban where volcanic ash accumulated on the national highway.
The Sorsogon Provincial Government, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, and Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council are conducting the cleanup.
Governor Boboy Hamor advised motorists to avoid the roads affected to allow faster and safer clearing operations.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and remind the public to stay alert and follow official advisories.
