11 quakes hit Bulusan area after ash explosion

At least 11 volcanic quakes were recorded around restive Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon province after it ejected ash and steam anew Wednesday afternoon. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) also said Thursday that steaming activity was observed at the volcano. "Steaming activity varied from wispy to voluminous with white steam columns reaching a maximum height of 300-500 meters above the crater rim before drifting south-southwest to south. (Wednesday's) measurement of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate produced an average value of 22 tonnes per day," it said in its update Thursday. Bulusan exploded at 1:22 p.m. Wednesday, ejecting ash up to 1 km above the crater.

Phivolcs said Alert Level 1 remains over Bulusan Volcano, and reminded the public not to venture inside the 4-km permanent danger zone, where sudden steam and ash explosions may occur. "Due to the prevailing wind direction, residents located in the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano are advised to take precautions against ashfalls. Civil aviation authorities must also warn pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may pose hazards to aircrafts," it said. Also, residents near valleys and river/stream channels should be watchful against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars because ash and other loose volcanic materials may be remobilized during heavy and prolonged rainfall, it said. — RSJ, GMANews.TV