Phivolcs detects increased seismic activity in Mt. Bulusan
Mt. Bulusan in October 2023.
LEGAZPI CITY — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded on Tuesday, Jan. 2, an increase in the number of earthquakes in Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon province.
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.
Article continues after this advertisementThe 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.
Article continues after this advertisementPeople 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.
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