25 quakes recorded at Bulusan

Twenty-five volcanic earthquakes were recorded around Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon during the past 24 hours, indicating that the volcano is still in abnormal condition, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said yesterday.

“The high level of seismicity still indicates the volcano’s abnormal condition,” the institute said, reiterating its warning against mudflows or lahar during heavy rains.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the low pressure area spotted east of Luzon yesterday will bring rains over Southern Luzon and the Bicol region.

Alert level 1 remains in effect around Bulusan, which means that the public should not enter the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone due to sudden hazardous explosions.

The 1,559-meter high Bulusan has been spewing ash and steam since March 2006.

Phivolcs earlier warned residents of three barangays near Bulusan in Irosin town to prepare for evacuation as heavy rains could trigger more lahar.

The warning is particularly directed at those in low-lying areas and near river channels.

The DSWD earlier reported that there were still 187 families or 757 people from the Irosin barangays of Cogon, Monbon and Mapaso staying in makeshift evacuation centers after volcanic mud triggered by heavy rains swept through their villages last week.

The knee-deep volcanic mud last Oct. 16 damaged 36 houses in Monbon alone.