By Rhaydz B Barcia/Manila Times/Legazpi City
Mount Bulusan in the province of Sorsogon erupted yesterday morning, causing an explosion of steam and ash that lasted five minutes followed by 40 volcanic quakes, government seismologists said.
While the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) did not raise the alert level at the volcano, it warned the public against venturing into Mount Bulusan’s
four-kilometre permanent danger zone because
of possibility of sudden explosions.
Ed Laguerta, Phivolcs resident volcanologist, told Manila Times that the explosion scattered ash in Puting Sapa and Sangayon villages of Juban town and in Cogon, Gulang-Gulang and Tinampo villages of Irosin town.
“This is just a minor explosion (that) coincided with Labour Day celebrations. We’re closely monitoring the (volcanic) activity if it will escalate in the coming days,” he said.Around 10.30am, when the crater became visible, dirty-white steam was seen coming out of it.
Phivolcs seismologists said Mount Bulusan, one of the most active volcanoes in the country, exploded at 8.09am.
The volcano has erupted 15 times since 1885 and is considered as the fourth most active volcano in the Philippines after Mayon, Taal and Kanlaon. Bulusan last erupted in 2011.
