Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon shows sustained restiveness

By Cet Dematera

Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon has shown sustained restiveness with at least five minor tremors a day in the past four days that were preceded by over 150 quakes on May 12 that prompted state volcanologists to raise its alert status from normal to abnormal.

“Although the earthquakes simmered down from 166 on May 12 to five or six only in the past days until yesterday, its overall condition remains abnormal,” Bobby Tuprio, Bulusan’s watcher at the Cabid-An Monitoring Station in Sorsogon City, told Bicol Mail.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded an average of five volcanic quakes a day from Thursday, May 13 until May 17 while sustained inflation or bulging of the surface and upper slopes of Bulusan were also detected.

“We are strictly prohibiting entry by anybody inside the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) because of this abnormal condition of the Bulusan Volcano,” Tuprio said.

“Local government units and the public are reminded that entry into the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) must be strictly prohibited and that vigilance in the two-kilometer extended danger zone (EDZ) on the southeast sector must be exercised due to the increased possibilities of sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions,” Phivolcs reiterated in its latest bulletin.

The close watch on Bulusan was carried out after its earthquakes had increased very abruptly before its seismic events had simmered down again until May 17.

Also, Phivolcs and the concerned local governments have warned the usual Bulusan trekkers to refrain from venturing inside the permanent danger zone.

Residents around the volcano were already told to ready for evacuation once the condition over Bulusan worsens further.