MANILA, Philippines - Several earthquakes around the restive Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon were reported yesterday, a day after it emitted large ash clouds prompting the implementation of emergency evacuation measures in the region. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said a total of 10 volcanic earthquakes were recorded, higher than four tremors on Saturday when Mt. Bulusan spewed ash clouds.
Phivolcs director Renato Solidum, however, gave assurance that there is no imminent threat of a major eruption.
While no evacuation was ordered, Solidum said residents are prohibited from entering the four-kilometer permanent danger zone around the volcano.
“People residing near the valleys and streams should be on extra alert against sediment-laden stream flows in the event of heavy rains,” he said.
Phivolcs maintained Alert Level 1 around Mt. Bulusan, which means the volcano is in an abnormal state.
“The current activity may lead to more steam and ash ejections,” Solidum warned.
On Saturday, Bulusan volcano spewed a light grayish steam and ash column that reached an approximate height of 600 meters above the crater rim.
The ash ejection also reflected an explosion-type earthquake that lasted 57 seconds, Phivolcs said.
Phivolcs raised the first of the five-level alert status around the volcano.
Phivolcs regional volcanologist Ed Laguerta said they have implemented a round-the-clock monitoring system by advising residents to stay out of the four-kilometer danger zone.
Laguerta said they would immediately recommend evacuation and other preventive measures should Bulusan’s abnormal condition worsen.
“But as of now, there is no need yet for any mobilization of residents at the foot of Bulusan,” Laguerta said.
The military took the measure of evacuating 50 people in Casiguran town.
Army’s 9th Division spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc said troops responded to the request of Casiguran Mayor Ester Hamor to evacuate residents of Barangays Gimaloto and Inlagadian in the town.
Cabunoc said the residents were allowed to go back after the volcano stopped emitting ash clouds.
“They went home in the morning to attend to their livestock and farms and will return to the evacuation center for the night. The evacuation center lacks food supplies. The relief goods will only come once the volcanic explosion intensifies,” Cabunoc said.
Bulusan is one of the country’s 22 active volcanoes.
The 1,565-meter Mt. Bulusan erupted 15 times since 1886. The last ash explosions took place in March 2006, sending over 6,000 villagers to evacuation camps.
Helen Flores, Philippine Star
