Philippine’s Bulusan Volcano on the brink? 144 quakes in 24 hours

MANILA – Alert level 1 remains at Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon after state volcanologists noted a significant rise in seismic activity in the area, recording 144 volcanic quakes there in the last 24 hours. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said 80 of these quakes were recorded in a seven-hour period on Monday, from 5:00 a.m. to noon. “The seismic network at Bulusan Volcano detected a total of 144 volcanic earthquakes for the past 24 hours. Steaming activity at the active vents was weak to moderate throughout the observation period,” Phivolcs said in its Tuesday update. Phivolcs warned of possible sudden steam-driven or “phreatic” explosions. “Similar events are most likely to occur in view of the volcano’s reactivation last 13 May 2011 especially with the current increase in the volcano’s seismicity,” it said. However, it said Bulusan Volcano’s status remains at Alert Level 1, meaning sudden steam and ash explosions can occur. Entry to the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited, since the area is at risk to sudden steam and ash explosions, it added. –GMA News

In Batangas and Albay, Phivolcs said six volcanic earthquakes were recorded at both the Taal and Mayon Volcano during the past 24 hours.