Phivolcs raises alert level at Mount Bulusan

May 5, 2019

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Sunday raised the alert level of Mount Bulusan from 0 to 1 which was labeled as "abnormal."

A bulletin by Phivolcs around 11:10 am said Mount Bulusan was at Alert Level 1. It added that from May 4 to 5, the volcano recorded an increase in its seismic activity.

"A total of sixteen (16) volcanic earthquakes were recorded by the Bulusan Volcano seismic monitoring network. Tilt data from 29 April 2019 to 5 May 2019 indicated slight inflation of the upper slopes," Phivolcs said.

"There is also a notable increase in water temperature of the monitored hot springs while wispy to weak emission of white steam plumes was observed from the southeast vents," it added.

According to Phivolcs, elevated alert level means hydrothermal processes is possible which may cause steam-driven eruptions.

Local government and public are advised not to enter the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone, Phivolcs said.

Flying near the volcano's summit is not advised due to possibilities of hazardous ash from any sudden phreatic eruption, it added.

"Vigilance in the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) on the southern slopes of Bulusan Volcano stretching two kilometers further down slope on the (permanent danger zone) PDZ must be exercised due to possibilities of sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions, rockfall, and landslide," Phivolcs said.

"People living within valleys and along river/stream channels should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahar in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall," it added. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS