Over 15,000 at risk as Bulusan Volcano placed under alert level 1
LEGAZPI CITY—The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Sunday raised alert level 1 over Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon, following weeks of increased seismic activity.
Alert level 1 indicates low-level unrest, with possible phreatic or steam-driven eruptions.
Phivolcs said it recorded 475 volcanic earthquakes since March 15, while degassing from active vents ranged from weak to moderate. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 91 tons per day as of March 17.
Raden Dimaano, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said a “blue alert” has been raised, placing response units on standby.
Personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Red Cross, Provincial Health Office, Department of Public Works and Highways, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and the Provincial Disaster Office have been mobilized.
Six municipal disaster offices surrounding the volcano have also been placed on alert, he added.
Preparation
“Face masks have been readied for possible ashfall, while information and education campaigns are ongoing,” Dimaano said.
Authorities are closely monitoring Bulusan with Phivolcs, noting that sudden phreatic eruptions may occur even under alert level 0.
Provincial Administrator Eric Ravanilla said up to 15,000 individuals could be affected in the event of an eruption.
He said ashfall may hit the towns of Casiguran, Juban, Irosin, Bulusan and Magallanes, due to prevailing wind direction.
“Gov. Edwin ‘Boboy’ Hamor has readied evacuation centers, prepositioned food packs and ordered responders to clear affected roads within 24 hours in case of ashfall to ensure motorists’ safety,” Ravanilla stressed.
He said tourism activities remain open, but visitors are advised to stay vigilant.
