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.

2015_0509_bulusanvolcano267
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.

Tell us your thoughts on this article. If logged in with any of your Wordpress.com, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or registered on this site before, then you can simply write your comment below. Thanks and appreciate your feedback.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.