MANILA, Philippines — The state seismology bureau on Thursday announced that the Bulusan volcano has experienced a series of volcanic earthquakes.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), 22 volcanic-tectonic earthquakes have been recorded in the Bulusan Volcanic Network since Wednesday.
“The strongest of these were recorded at local magnitudes of [local magnitude (ML)] ML 0.1 to ML 1.5 and originated between 1 to 5 kilometers beneath the southern sector of Bulusan Volcano. Degassing at the active summit crater and vents have been weak to moderate this week, while volcanic SO2 emission today averaged 100 tonnes/day, well within baseline levels,” it said
However, Phivolcs maintained the present Alert Level 0 over the volcano. According to its website, this means that the volcano displays a “generally weak steam emission” and an “unremarkable level of volcanic earthquakes occurring within the volcano area,” as well as “all monitored parameters within background levels.”
Phivolcs added that there is an increased possibility of steam-driven or phreatic eruptions at the crater or summit area, advising local authorities to exercise safety measures, especially in the four-kilometer permanent danger zone.
“Furthermore, people living within valleys and along river/stream channels should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall,” it added.
Pilots are also advised not to fly near the summit as ash from the phreatic eruption can pose a danger to aircraft.
The bureau likewise added that it will continue to monitor the volcano’s condition and other developments.
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