By Alec Go
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised Alert Level 1 (low-level unrest) over Bulusan Volcano on Wednesday, Oct. 12, amid increasing hydrothermal activity and unrest.
A total of 126 weak and shallow volcanic earthquakes were recorded since 5:00 a.m. of October 11, the majority of which took place in Bulusan’s northwestern sector and summit due to “rock-fracturing processes within the edifice.”
It also noted that there has been a “short-term inflation” on Bulusan’s southern flanks since April this year and an inflationary trend beginning last month, as well as increasing volcanic carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations.
“In view of the above, DOST-PHIVOLCS is now raising the alert status of Bulusan from Alert Level 0 to Alert Level 1, which means that the volcano is currently in a state of low-level unrest,” Phivolcs said.
BULUSAN VOLCANO BULLETIN
12 October 2022
3:00 P.M. #BulusanVolcanohttps://t.co/Fn0eqC6HgN pic.twitter.com/mObPdcEZ1H— PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) October 12, 2022
Phivolcs has advised the public to avoid entering the four-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone, and to observe vigilance within the two-kilometer extended danger zone on the southeast sector “due to the increased possibilities of sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions.”
Flying close to Bulusan’s summit is also prohibited.
Phivolcs said it will continue to monitor the situation of the volcano. On Oct. 7, Phivolcs said the volcano was showing an increase in activity. – gb
