Filtered By: Topstories
News

Bulusan calms down but Phivolcs advises continued vigilance


A day after 144 volcanic quakes were recorded around it, Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon calmed down on Wednesday and only two volcanic quakes were recorded in the area in the last 24 hours. However, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said residents should not relax and reminded them to take precautions against steam-driven explosions. "Posible pa rin magkaroon ng steam-driven explosion sa Bulusan ... Siyempre ang sa paligid ng bulkan alam nila active volcano yan at alam nilang nagkakaroon ng eruption," Phivolcs director Renato Solidum Jr. said in an interview on dwIZ radio. Phivolcs' Wednesday morning update also indicated "weak to moderate" steaming activity at the active vents. Bulusan's status also remains at Alert Level 1, meaning that the source of activity is hydrothermal and shallow. Solidum reminded residents and the public that entry to the 4-kilometer (km) radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around Bulusan is strictly prohibited, since the area is at risk to sudden steam and ash explosions. Phivolcs added residents in the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano are reminded to take precautions against ashfalls. "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. If possible aircraft should avoid flying on the western side of the volcano as volcanic debris are likely to be carried in this direction by the prevailing winds," it added. "Furthermore, people living near valleys and river/stream channels should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall," it said. One quake at Mayon In Albay, only one volcanic quake was recorded at Mayon Volcano in the last 24 hours, while steaming activity was weak to moderate throughout the observation period. Crater glow was observed at Intensity II (can be seen by the naked eye) Tuesday night, Phivolcs added. Alert Level 1 remains in effect over Mayon Volcano, meaning the public should not enter the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rockfalls from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano. "Active stream/river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone areas in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall," it added. Five quakes at Taal In Batangas, five volcanic quakes were recorded at Taal in the last 24 hours. Alert Level 2 is still in effect over Taal Volcano, with the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface, it said. It reminded the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. "In addition, it is reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended," it said. - VVP, GMA News

Tags: bulusan, phivolcs
LOADING CONTENT