Bulusan Volcano Update

08 June 2006, 8:30 AM

This bulletin provides more complete information on the eruption that occurred at 8:17 PM yesterday and the activity up to this morning. The explosion generated ash cloud which drifted generally to the north and northwest. Light ashfall was reported at Inlagadian, Municipality of Casiguran 5 kilometers north of the volcano, while trace ashfalls were noticed in Sorsogon City, about 20 kilometers north of Bulusan Volcano. Some ash were also noticed over some barangays of Juban, northwest of Bulusan. Following the 8:17 PM explosion yesterday, a smaller explosion earthquake occurred at 2:26 AM today although no considerable ash was produced from this event. Overall, only two volcanic quakes were detected in the past 24 hours. The explosions therefore are likely tapping a very shallow heat source within the volcano edifice.

PHIVOLCS expects more explosions to occur, considering past eruption episodes which span from one to several months. However, due to the apparent increase in the frequency and strength of previous explosions, there is a possibility of life threatening volcanic flows. In this regard, PHIVOLCS maintains Alert Level 2 to indicate elevated activity, which may produce hazardous magmatic eruption. This alert status strictly restricts entry within four (4) kilometers of the summit area because sudden explosions may occur. Areas beyond this Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) may be included depending on the nature of anticipated activity. PHIVOLCS also reminds the public to avoid gullies which lead to the middle and upper slopes because hazardous lahars and related volcanic flows may be channeled to areas beyond the PDZ.

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