Bulusan Volcano shows increased seismic activity – Phivolcs

MANILA, Philippines — Increased seismic activity has been observed at Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon since Feb. 26, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Monday.

In an advisory, Phivolcs said the Bulusan Volcano Network recorded 49 volcanic earthquakes since 3 a.m. on Feb. 26.

Of these, 16 were volcano-tectonic earthquakes “associated with rock fracturing between 3 to 6 kilometers beneath the northern and southeastern edifice of Bulusan Volcano, [while] all other monitoring parameters have remained at background levels.”

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“Degassing activity from the summit crater and active vents has been very weak to moderate when the volcano has been visible in the past days,” Phivolcs said.

“Volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from the summit vents were too weak to be detected during the last measurement on Feb. 26,” it added.

‘Alert Level 0 stays’

Currently, Alert Level 0 remains over Bulusan, signifying that “no magmatic eruption is foreseen.”

Despite this, the state seismology agency noted that the recent increase in seismic activity beneath the volcano may indicate ongoing hydrothermal processes, which could lead to a sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruption.

Phivolcs reminded the public to avoid entering the four-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone due to the possibility of sudden, hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, rockfalls, landslides, and other related volcanic hazards.

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“Local government units must prepare their response and revisit their emergency plans in case the status of the volcano is raised to Alert Level 1,” Phivolcs 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,” it added. /jpv