After Bulusan Volcano generated a steam-driven explosion from a vent on its northwest upper slopes Wednesday, Phivolcs has raised alert level 1 labelling the volcano ‘abnormal’.
The explosion propelled an ash plume approximately 250 meter high before it drifted west that lasted 3.5 minutes.
Traces of ash were tracked in Sitio Tulay, Bagsangan and in the villages of Cogon, Monbon, and Tinampo in Irosin, Sorsogon.
Based in the seismic record, the explosion was the second following the similar steam-driven explosions recorded on May 1 that lasted 5 minutes.
“Such explosions are typical to Bulusan during restive periods, when its hydrothermal system is disturbed or when steam accumulates and pressurizes at the shallow levels of the volcanic edifice,” the Phivolcs bulletin said.
“Based on past records, more explosions can be expected to occur with varying intensity, duration and distribution of ash.” it added
The indication that hydrothermal processes may be underway beneath the volcano that may lead to more steam-driven eruptions prompted the Phivolcs to raise from Alert Level 0 to Alert Level 1.
Phivolcs, meanwhile, reminded public, government units, and even pilots of all aircrafts surrounding or flying close the ‘abnormal’ volcano not to enter the 4-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone.
H/T: Inquirer.net