LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon became restive again after a lull on Saturday, with 17 volcanic quakes recorded in the past 48 hours.
The volcanic quakes indicate that hydrothermal processes, which may lead to steam-driven or phreatic eruption, are continuing, Crispulo Diolata, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs)-Sorsogon resident volcanologist, said yesterday.
Volcanic quakes were recorded for three consecutive days last week, prompting Phivolcs to conduct a 24-hour watch.
“With this behavior, we make sure that we immediately read the movement detected by our instruments,” Diolata said.
Phivolcs reiterated its warning to the public not to enter the four-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone.
Pilots were advised against flying close to Bulusan’s summit as ash from any sudden phreatic eruption could be hazardous to aircraft.
“People living within valleys and along river or stream channels, especially on the southeast, southwest and northwest sectors of the edifice of Bulusan should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall,” Phivolcs’ latest bulletin read.