Bulusan Volcano shows increased seismic activity —PHIVOLCS

An increased seismic activity has been observed in Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon early Thursday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

In its 10 a.m. advisory, PHIVOLCS said that 71 volcanic-tectonic earthquakes linked to rock fracturing have been recorded over the volcano since 5 a.m.

The strength of the earthquakes ranged from 0.3 to 2.2 local magnitudes.

According to PHIVOLCS, the earthquakes occurred between one to six kilometers beneath the southern flank of the volcano edifice.

Weak to moderate volume plumes were also observed due to the degassing activity from the summit crater and active vents of the volcano.

Alert Level 1 is still up over Bulusan Volcano, which means there is a low-level of unrest with increased chances of steam-driven or phreatic eruptions.

Due to possible sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions, PHIVOLCS is prohibiting the public from entering the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone and advised them to be vigilant within the two-kilometer  extended danger zone on the southeast sector.

Flying close to the volcano's summit should be prohibited as ash from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft, PHIVOLCS said.

Those living within valleys and along river/stream channels should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall in case of a phreatic eruption, it added.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News