MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised Bulusan Volcano’s alert status from 0 (normal) to Alert Level 1 (low-level unrest), after it had a phreatic eruption at about one kilometer at 10:37 A.M of June 5, and lasted for 16 minutes.
This caused ashfall to the municipalities of Juban and Casiguran, Sorsogon. The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public to remain indoors.
According to PHILVOLCS, Alert Level 1 status remains over Bulusan Volcano since it is currently in an abnormal condition. They also advised the government units and the public that entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited.
At the same time, surveillance should be conducted in the Southeast sector of the 2-kilometer Extended Danger Zone (ED) due to the increased possibility of sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions without warning.
Pilots should also avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. Meanwhile, people living within valleys and along river/stream channels, especially in the edifice’s southeast, southwest, and northwest sectors, were also notified to be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall should a phreatic eruption occur.
The PHILVOLCS also affirmed that they are closely monitoring Bulusan Volcano’s activities.
SURVIVORS
During the eruption, authorities rescued at least 14 hikers and four guides at the foot of Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRMMC) said that the hikers from Metro Manila and Calabarzon started climbing Mt. Bulusan on June 4. All were able to get to safety afterward in the municipality of Barcelona.
RELIEF OPERATIONS
On Sunday morning, Vice President Leni Robredo started relief operations for areas affected by the eruption of the Bulusan Volcano. Even her volunteers were seen giving facemask to affected residents.
One hundred seventy-three evacuees in Juban, Sorsogon also received assistance from the Provincial Government, such as food packs, beddings, and hygiene kits.