Phivolcs lifts alert on Mt. Bulusan

LEGAZPI CITY — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) this week downgraded the alert level on Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon province from 1 (abnormal) to zero (abnormal) after noting a general decline in volcanic activities.

“This means observational parameters have returned to baseline or background levels and no magmatic eruption is foreseen in the immediate future,” Phivolcs said.

It said the volcano has returned to normalcy since a phreatic or steam-driven eruption was recorded on June 5 last year. It said gas emission had also dropped below detection levels.

Despite the lifting of the alert, Phivolcs said entry into the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone, particularly near the vents on the south-southeastern slopes, was strictly prohibited due to the possibility of sudden and hazardous phreatic eruption, rockfall and landslide. — MA. APRIL MIER