Phivolcs detects increased seismic activity in Mt. Bulusan

volcano

Mt. Bulusan in October 2023.

LEGAZPI CITY — An increase in the number of earthquakes at Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon province was reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

In an 8 p.m. advisory, Phivolcs said the Bulusan Volcano Network recorded 116 earthquakes since 9 p.m. of Dec. 29, 2023.

Phivolcs said 110 were volcano-tectonic earthquakes associated with rock fracturing beneath the southern flanks at depths of two to six kilometers, and the other six were low-frequency tremors associated with the movement of volcanic fluids.

“[The] increased seismic activity and pressurization of the volcano edifice may indicate that hydrothermal processes may be occurring beneath the volcano and may lead to steam-driven eruptions at any of the summit vents,” Phivolcs said in the advisory.

Alert Level 1 (low-level of unrest) was raised over Mount Bulusan on Oct. 25 last year due to the increased volcanic activity.

The agency reminded the public to avoid entering the 4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone due to the increased chances of steam-driven or phreatic eruptions.

People living within valleys and along river or stream channels were also advised to be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahar in case of heavy and prolonged rainfall.

RELATED STORIES

Bulusan Volcano shows signs of unrest

CamSur 5150 moved to February 2024 due to volcanic activity in Mount Mayon

Read more...