Bulusan Volcano sees second phreatic eruption in as many days

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Phivolcs maintains Alert Level 1 for Bulusan Volcano, 'which means that there are increased chances of phreatic eruptions occurring again'

MANILA, Philippines – Bulusan Volcano, located in the province of Sorsogon, erupted for the second day in a row on Tuesday, April 29.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said another phreatic or steam-driven eruption occurred at 7:43 pm, lasting around 1 hour and 17 minutes.

“The eruption plume was obscured by clouds but likely drifted to the southwest based on the location of communities affected by ashfall,” Phivolcs said.

The following barangays saw ashfall on Tuesday evening:

• Cogon, Tinampo, Monbon, Bolos, Gulang-Gulang, Gabao, Bulawan, and Macawayan in the municipality of Irosin
• Guruyan in the municipality of Juban
• Zone 7, Somagongsong, Beguin, and Aquino in the municipality of Bulan

“Communities that experience ashfall must take all necessary precautions and use protective masks or wet cloth to prevent ash inhalation, with special attention given to vulnerable persons including the elderly, persons with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, expecting mothers, and infants,” Phivolcs said.

Rumbling sounds were also heard in the barangays of Cogon and Bagsangan in Irosin.

Phivolcs added that 54 volcanic earthquakes were recorded on Tuesday, as of 8 pm.

Meanwhile, sulfur dioxide emission on Tuesday, prior to the eruption, averaged 548 tons per day. This is higher than the baseline level of less than 200 tons per day.

A phreatic eruption also occurred on Monday, April 28, prompting Phivolcs to raise Bulusan’s alert level from 0 to 1.

Phivolcs said on Tuesday that it is maintaining Alert Level 1, “which means that there are increased chances of phreatic eruptions occurring again.”

The agency reiterated that entry into the 4-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone surrounding Bulusan should be strictly prohibited. It also called for vigilance in the 2-kilometer extended danger zone in the volcano’s southeast sector.

Phivolcs warned the public that future eruptions may trigger volcanic hazards such as pyroclastic density currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfall, avalanches, and ashfall.

Bulusan is one of the Philippines’ two dozen active volcanoes. – Rappler.com