Phivolcs: 41 quakes recorded around Mt. Bulusan

At least 41 volcanic quakes were recorded around restive Bulusan Volcano in the last 24 hours, state volcanologists said Friday. But the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Bulusan's alert level remains at "1" and reminded residents not to enter the 4-km permanent danger zone. "Bulusan Volcano’s seismic network detected a total of 41 volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. The summit of the volcano was cloud-covered for the same observation period," it said in its 8 a.m. update Friday. Phivolcs raised the alert level at Bulusan to "1" last November 6 after the volcano spewed ash and steam. On the other hand, Phivolcs also urged residents near the volcano to be vigilant against sudden steam explosions. "People residing near valleys and streams are also advised to be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows in the event of heavy and continuous rainfall," it added. Also, residents in areas at the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano are advised to take precautions against ash falls.

Earlier in the day, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRM) said an asthmatic man became the first fatality amid the heightened activity of Bulusan Volcano. (See: NDRRMC: Asthmatic man living near restive Bulusan Volcano dies) The NDRRMC identified the fatality as Rolando Purino Jr., 28, of Cogon village in Irosin town in Sorsogon. — RSJ, GMANews.TV