Bulusan’s turn to act up: 31 quakes in last 24 hrs

One day after 38 volcanic quakes were recorded at Mayon Volcano in Albay, it was the turn of another volcano in the Bicol Region to show heightened activity. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Thursday 31 volcanic quakes were recorded at Bulusan Volcanon in Sorsogon in the last 24 hours. "Bulusan Volcano’s seismic network recorded 31 volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Steaming activity was not observed due to thick clouds covering the summit," Phivolcs said in its Thursday update. The Bicol Region is one of the areas presently threatened by Typhoon Chedeng (Songda). Much of the region was under Storm Signal 2 as of Thursday morning. Phivolcs said Bulusan’s status remains at Alert Level 1, meaning the source of activity is hydrothermal and shallow. It maintained entry to the 4-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited, since the area is at risk to sudden steam and ash explosions. Due to the prevailing wind direction, residents in the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano are reminded to take precautions against ashfalls. Civil aviation authorities were urged to 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. Mayon 'calms' down, 2 quakes recorded Meanwhile, Mayon Volcano in Albay, which had 38 quakes earlier this week, had only two volcanic quakes in the last 24 hours. But moderate steaming activity was observed during cloud breaks from 6:01 to 9:50 a.m. and 3:25 to 5:10 p.m. Wednesday, Phivolcs said. Alert Level 1 is in effect over Mayon Volcano, with Phivolcs reminding the public not to 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. Taal watch On the other hand, at least three volcanic quakes were recorded at Taal Volcano in Batangas in the last 24 hours, Phivolcs said. Alert Level 2 remains over Taal Volcano, with the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface. Phivolcs advised the public 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 also reminded the public the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. — RSJ, GMA News