11 quakes recorded at Mt. Bulusan — Phivolcs

At least 11 volcanic quakes were recorded around Bulusan Volcano in Bicol, hours after it spewed ash before dawn Tuesday. But the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Wednesday thick clouds at the summit prevented visual observation of the crater and thermal vents. It added no lahar event was reported or observed, but said the volcano's alert status remains at "1," characterized by low-level unrest. "Bulusan Volcano’s status remains at Alert Level 1. This means that the source of activity is hydrothermal and shallow. However, no entry to the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strongly advised, since the area is at risk to sudden steam and ash explosions," it said in its website. Phivolcs also reminded residents in the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano are reminded to take precautions against ashfalls. It added civil aviation authorities must also warn pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may be hazardous to aircraft. Also, it said people living near valleys and river/stream channels should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahar in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall. — LBG, GMANews.TV