Possibility of sudden and hazardous stream-driven eruption of Mt. Bulusan seen

SORSOGON CITY, May 8 — A possible phreatic or stream-driven explosion of Mt. Bulusan maybe forthcoming after the volcano exhibited steam and ash explosions on May 1 and another stream-driven explosion on May 6.

With this prospect, residents within valleys and along rivers and stream channels are warned to be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall.

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Mt. Bulusan, calm and sedate. WIkipedia commons photo by user Viktor

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised its alert level to Alert Status 1 yesterday (May 7) after seeing occurrences of localized earthquakes, steam or gas activity.

The Phivolcs sees these as hydrothermal, magmatic, or tectonic disturbances. Entry to the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited with the possibility of sudden and hazardous stream-driven eruptions.

The steam and ash explosion which occurred at 9:46 in the evening of May 6lasted for about 4 minutes. An explosion from a vent on Bulusan’s northwest upper slopes plumed ashes at 250 meter high.

Affected areas include Sitio Tulay of Brgy. Bagsangan, Cogon, Monbon, and Tinampo in Irosin town, Sorsogon.

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