Bulusan Volcano

9 Nov. 2010

After the ash explosion last Saturday, alert level on Bulusan Volcano is raised to Alert Level 1.

At 8:11 am on November 6, Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon ejected a steam and ash column that reached approximately 200 meters above the crater. According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), some traces of ash are found in the areas located at 6-10 km NW from the crater. Six barangays from municipalities of Juban and Casiguran in Sorsogon are affected by traces of ash. By 2pm, Saturday, thick clouds enveloped the summit of the volcano. Phivolcs reiterated the prohibition to enter the 4-km Permanent Danger Zone.

Earlier Monday, Bulusan produced another ash explosion which lasted for around five minutes. The explosion produced “a brownish to light grayish ash cloud, which rose to about 700 m above the summit,” stated in Bulusan Volcano Bulletin of Phivolcs.

The ash explosions, according to Phivolcs, are the typical activity of Bulusan during its restive period. Phivolcs stated on its bulletins that it “expects more explosions to occur in view of the volcano’s recent reactivation.”

A total of 205 individuals in Casiguran, Sorsogon have evacuated on Saturday, although Phivolcs said there is no need yet for evacuation. The government officials also distributed gas masks to nearby residents (AP).

Meanwhile, news report says, citing NDRRMC, that the residents are now prepared in case they have to evacuate. The concerned government agencies are also preparing for possible effects of Bulusan’s volcanic activities. The provincial disaster management of Sorsogon has also activated their contingency plans for the possible effects of Bulusan (GMA).

NDRRMC looks at six municipalities in Sorsogon that are likely to be affected by Bulusan. These municipalities are Juban, Irosin, Gubat, Casiguran, Barcelona, and Bulusan, which covers around 70 barangays.

Sources: Phivolcs, NDRRMC, Associated Press, GMANews.tv