178 volcanic quakes recorded in Bulusan Volcano

Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon had 178 volcanic earthquakes in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Saturday.

This was more than the 149 quakes reported on June 10 covering the previous 24-hour period. 

The volcano also emitted 613 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on Friday, it said.

There was also a moderate emission of plumes which rose up to 150 meters tall before drifting west-northwest.

The volcano edifice is still inflated, PHIVOLCS said.

The agency said Alert Level 1, which signifies low-level unrest, remains in effect in Bulusan Volcano.

On June 5, the volcano had a phreatic eruption, prompting PHIVOLCS to raise the alert level from zero to Alert Level 1. 

PHIVOLCS is prohibiting entry into the four-kilometer-radius of the Permanent Danger Zone and entry without vigilance into the two-kilometer Extended Danger Zone. Flying any aircraft near the volcano is also not allowed.

Sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions may occur based on the volcano’s activity, PHIVOLCS warned. —KG, GMA News