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Phivolcs issues warning about possible steam-driven eruption at Mt. Bulusan
Philippines
National
Phivolcs issues warning about possible steam-driven eruption at Mt. Bulusan
Phivolcs issues warning about possible steam-driven eruption at Mt. Bulusan
Published May 22, 2023 08:29 am
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Updated May 22, 2023 08:29 am
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday, May 22 warned the public regarding the possibility of steam-driven or phreatic eruptions at Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon.
“Alert Level 0 (Normal) is maintained over Bulusan Volcano but there are chances of steam-driven or phreatic eruptions occurring from the crater or summit area,” Phivolcs said in an advisory issued at 4 p.m. on Monday.
It reminded the public and local government units concerned that entry into the four-kilometer permanent danger zone, particularly near the vents on the south-southeastern slopes, should be avoided because of the possibility of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruption, rockfall, and landslide.
According to Phivolcs, Mt. Bulusan had 37 shallow volcanic earthquakes since 5 a.m. on Sunday, May 21.
“These consisted of 34 volcano tectonic earthquakes that are associated with rock fracturing and three low frequency volcanic earthquakes that are associated with movement of volcanic gas,” it said.
Mt. Bulusan (Image courtesy of Pixabay)
“Ground deformation data from electronic tiltmeter stations recorded short-term inflation of the southeastern slopes since December 2022,” it added. Moreover, Phivolcs observed “very weak” emission of steam-laden plumes from the active vent on the southeastern slopes when the summit crater was visible. “These parameters are still related to volcanic gas activity within the edifice and may potentially trigger steam-driven or phreatic eruption from any of the active vents,” it explained. Phivolcs also warned pilots not to fly near the volcano’s summit because ash from a sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. Furthermore, residents living in valleys and along river/stream channels were warned against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall.
Mt. Bulusan (Image courtesy of Pixabay)
“Ground deformation data from electronic tiltmeter stations recorded short-term inflation of the southeastern slopes since December 2022,” it added. Moreover, Phivolcs observed “very weak” emission of steam-laden plumes from the active vent on the southeastern slopes when the summit crater was visible. “These parameters are still related to volcanic gas activity within the edifice and may potentially trigger steam-driven or phreatic eruption from any of the active vents,” it explained. Phivolcs also warned pilots not to fly near the volcano’s summit because ash from a sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. Furthermore, residents living in valleys and along river/stream channels were warned against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall.