Quakes Jolt Bulusan, More Explosions Expected - Phivolcs

LEGAZPI CITY, Nov. 19  2010 - At least 41 volcanic earthquakes jolted Mount Bulusan on Friday, the highest number so far detected by seismic instruments for the past five days, signifying that pressure is still building up and this may probably lead to more ash and steam laden explosions, volcanologists said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) bulletin reported that seismic network detected a total of 41 volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours.

Volcanologists said they could not observe the volcano’s steaming activity because its summit is cloud-covered.

The volcano exhibited one ash explosion on Monday night, accompanied by a rumbling sound while traces of ash fall were noted in the villages of Bolos, Gulang-gulang, Tinampo and Monbon, all in Irosin town.

Phivolcs' seismic instruments have detected since Monday a total of 139 volcanic quakes that rocked the 1,956-meter high volcano for the past five days, with 50 quakes detected on Monday followed by 41 quakes Friday.

Alert Level 1 is still hoisted over Bulusan Volcano.

The public is strongly advised not to enter inside the four-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) because it may be affected by sudden steam explosions.

People residing near valleys and streams were likewise advised to be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows in the event of heavy and continuous rainfall.

Due to the prevailing wind direction, residents located in the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano are advised to take precautions against ash falls. (PNA)