Phivolcs raises Alert Level 1 over Mount Bulusan amid increased seismic activity | Inquirer News

Phivolcs raises Alert Level 1 over Mount Bulusan amid increased seismic activity

/ 08:33 PM May 11, 2021

Phivolcs raises Alert Level 1 over Mount Bulusan amid increased seismic activity

Mt. Bulusan. INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Mount Bulusan or Bulusan Volcano was placed on Alert Level 1 on Tuesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

According to Phivolcs, Alert Level 1, which means low-level unrest, was declared on the volcano as its monitoring network observed 124 volcanic earthquakes since Saturday, May 8.

Article continues after this advertisement

“The increased seismicity could be followed by steam-driven or phreatic eruptions at the summit crater or from flank vents on the upper to middle slopes. Ground deformation data from real-time electronic tilt monitoring has been recording sustained inflation of the upper slopes that began 6 March 2021 consistent with short-term inflation of the edifice measured by continuous GPS monitoring since February 2021,” Phivolcs warned in its 7 p.m., May 11, 2021, advisory.

FEATURED STORIES

“These parameters indicate that volcanic processes are underway beneath the edifice that are likely caused by shallow hydrothermal activity,” it added.

Phivolcs then reminded residents near the volcano that the four-kilometer permanent danger zone is strictly off-limits while those near the two-kilometer extended danger zone on the southeastern sector of the summit must exercise vigilance.

Article continues after this advertisement

Likewise, Philvolcs advised aircrafts to avoid flying near Mount Bulusan as ash, if a phreatic eruption occurs, can be hazardous.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Local government units and the public are reminded that entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) must be strictly prohibited and that 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,” Phivolcs said.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Furthermore, 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 should a phreatic eruption occur,” it explained.

Mount Bulusan is classified as a stratovolcano on the southernmost tip of Luzon, occupying several towns in Bicol Region’s Sorsogon province.

Article continues after this advertisement

It is considered one of the most active volcanoes in the country, next to Taal and Mayon.

“DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Bulusan Volcano’s condition and any new development will be communicated to all concerned stakeholders,” Philvolcs said.

KGA
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Earthquake, Mount Bulusan, Philippine news updates, Volcano

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.