Bulusan Volcano Update

31 May 2006, 6:30 PM

Bulusan Volcano (12°46.2’N, 124°03’E) produced a mild ash explosion at 4:17 PM today (local time). The ash ejection generated an ash and steam cloud that attained an approximate height of 1.5 km above the volcano's summit. The brief ash burst was recorded by all three monitoring stations around the volcano as an explosion-type earthquake. Preliminary analysis of the seismic record indicated that no volcanic earthquake preceded the explosion event. At this time, no damage has been reported associated with the volcanic explosion. Wind drifts are generally to the west and west-northwest of the volcano. Investigation showed that areas affected by light ashfalls (0.5 to 1.5 mm thickness) and traces were barangays/sitios Puting Sapa, Sangkayon, Bacolod, Caladgao and Bura-buran in Juban and barangays Cogon and Bolos in Irosin, Sorsogon.

Today's explosion is the 4th in a series of ash and steam-driven eruptions since Bulusan Volcano became restive when an earthquake swarm occurred on 19 March this year. PHIVOLCS believes that more ash explosions may be expected in view of other protracted activity in recent history and generally elevated earthquake occurrences from the volcano. Alert Level 1 therefore remains hoisted which means that the public is advised not to venture within 4 kilometers of the summit. PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring the situation and shall relay and update all concerned on significant developments as they occur.
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