NextGen Day

MANILA, Philippines — After a 17-minute phreatic eruption was detected by seismic and infrasound monitoring, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) increased the alert level over Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon province to Alert Level 1.

A phreatic eruption occurred at the Bulusan Volcano at 10:37 a.m. on Sunday, according to Phivolcs.

“Over Bulusan Volcano, the Alert Level 1 status has been elevated, indicating that it is currently in an abnormal state,” Phivolcs warned.

The phreatic eruption was obscured by cloud cover over the structure, according to the Phivolcs, but a steam-rich grey plume at least 1 kilometer tall was seen rising from Juban, Sorsogon, and drifting west.

“Ashfall has been reported in the Sorsogon towns of Juban and Casiguran. “The BVN [Bulusan Volcano Network] recorded 77 volcanic earthquakes in the previous 24-hour observation period prior to the eruption,” Phivolcs added.

Due to the increased possibility of sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions, Phivolcs reminded local government units (LGUs) and the general public that entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone must be strictly prohibited, and that vigilance in the 2-kilometer Extended Danger Zone on the southeast sector must be exercised.

It also asked civil aviation authorities to alert pilots to avoid flying near the summit of the volcano since ash from a quick phreatic eruption can be dangerous to planes.

People living in valleys and along river/stream channels, particularly in the southeast, southwest, and northwest sectors of the edifice, were also warned to be wary of sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of a phreatic eruption, according to phivolcs.

Bulusan’s most recent eruption, according to phivolcs statistics, occurred in 2017.

The agency is keeping a careful eye on the condition of the Bulusan Volcano and has promised to keep all stakeholders informed of any new developments.

Malacanang assured concerned authorities that once Alert Level 1 is elevated, they will be on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Martin Andanar, the acting presidential spokesperson, advised the public, particularly residents of the surrounding areas, to remain attentive, watch any changes in the volcano’s state, and cooperate with local authorities.

Health dangers

Meanwhile, the Department of Health-Bicol (DOH-5) issued public health advice to warn the public about the dangers of ashfall.

The impacts of the ashfall, according to DOH-5, include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, bronchitis-like disease, breathing difficulty, skin irritation, and minor skin disorders.

Aside from the health dangers, ashfall can cause accidents such as roof collapses or vehicle crashes due to slick roads.

“The public is advised to avoid leaving their homes and to close all windows and doors to avoid the entry of ash; use a dust mask or a cover for the nose and mouth; use eye protection such as goggles; place pets and other animals in safe locations; clean fallen ash from the roof to avoid collapse; be updated on the latest situation before traveling, and obey all traffic laws,” DOH-5 spokesman said.

All 14 hikers and four guides who climbed the volcano were safe, according to the Office of Civil Defense-Bicol (OCD-5)

Official situation updates from the Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office are still pending, according to OCD-5 spokeswoman Gremil Alexis Naz.

“Assessment and information collecting are now being conducted by local government bodies in Sorsogon,” he added in an interview.

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