Phivolcs: 4 volcanic quakes recorded around Mount Bulusan

At least four volcanic quakes were recorded around restive Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon in the last 24 hours, state volcanologists said Thursday. But the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said it was not able to observe steaming at the crater and thermal vents due to rain clouds. "Steaming activity at the crater and known thermal vents was not observed due to thick rain clouds that covered the volcano’s summit during the past observation period. Likewise, no measurement of Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate was conducted (Wednesday) due to rainy weather," it said in its 8 a.m. bulletin. Phivolcs said the alert level at Bulusan remains at "1," and reminded residents not to enter the 4-km permanent danger zone. It said the area is still at risk to sudden steam and ash explosions. "Because of the prevailing wind direction, people residing in the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano are reminded to take precautions against ash falls," it added. Phivolcs declared Alert Level 1 on Bulusan last Nov. 6, after the volcano ejected ash and steam. — LBG, GMANews.TV