PHIVOLCS records increased activity in Bulusan Volcano anew

The Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon had 213 volcanic earthquakes since June 24, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said in an advisory on Wednesday afternoon.

This, PHIVOLCS said, was a manifestation of an increased activity that could lead to another eruption.

“The strongest of these was a M3.5 volcanic earthquake at 11:27 p.m. on 24 June that was also recorded by the Philippine Seismic Network (PSN) and felt at Intensity III in Irosin and Bulusan Municipalities, Sorsogon Province,” it stated.  At 1:39 p.m. today, a M2.3 imperceptible volcanic earthquake was recorded by the BVN.”

According to the agency, the 3.5 magnitude and 2.3 magnitude volcanic quake originated from the south-southeastern flank of Bulusan edifice at depths of approximately three kilometers.

In addition, short-term ground deformation monitoring based on continuous electronic tilt has been recording inflation of the southern flanks since 20 June 2022, consistent with continuous GPS recording of inflation of the southern flanks since March 2022, the PHIVOLCS added.

Further, the institute noted that these monitoring parameters warn of the possibilities of renewed eruptive activity from the Bulusan summit and potentially from the vents of its southern sides.

Alert Level 1 remains

PHIVOLCS said Alert Level 1 remained in effect over Bulusan. This meant that the volcano was at a low level of unrest, but sudden steam driven or phreatic eruptions were possible.

The institute reiterated that entry into the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) and entry without vigilance into the two-kilometer extended danger zone (EDZ) was prohibited.

Likewise, flying aircraft close to the Bulusan Volcano was not allowed.

On June 12, Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon had another phreatic eruption which lasted for 18 minutes.

This occurred a week after the Bulusan Volcano's phreatic eruption on June 5 at 10:37 a.m.—LDF, GMA News