Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon (PNA file photo by Nonie Enolva)
LEGAZPI CITY – Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon was jolted anew by 46 volcanic quakes on Wednesday, indicating that it continues to show signs of abnormalities, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Thursday.
The series of quakes reported has brought to 189 the total number of volcanic quake events recorded by seismic instruments since Phivolcs raised Mt. Bulusan's alert status to Level 1 two weeks ago.
The Phivolcs bulletin said the tremors could be attributed to degassing, rock fracturing and magma intrusion.
Ground deformation data from continuous GPS (global positioning system) measurement indicate slight bulging at the volcano's edifice since late February.
Alert Level 1 (abnormal) remains hoisted over Bulusan Volcano.
“Local government units and the public are reminded that entry into the four-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited and that vigilance within the two-kilometer Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) on the southeastern sector must be exercised due to the increased possibilities of sudden and hazardous phreatic eruption,” the bulletin 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, Phivolcs said.
People living within valleys and along river/stream channels especially on the southeast, southwest and northwest sector of the edifice should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall. (PNA)
