Bulusan quiets down; fewer quakes recorded

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Fewer volcanic quakes were recorded in Bulusan volcano in Sorsogon in the past several days, an indication of decreased seismic activity.

Data released by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) showed that only five volcanic earthquakes were recorded yesterday, one on Friday and a maximum of three early this week compared to 69 recorded on June 12.

Phivolcs said sulfur dioxide emissions also dropped in the past five days. From 4,627 tons on June 14, emissions were down to 865 tons yesterday.

Plume emissions dropped drastically from 750 meters four days ago to 200 meters yesterday.

However, Bulusan’s edifice remains inflated.

Phivolcs said the volcano remains under Alert Level 1 despite a drop in its abnormal parameters.

Gerald Malipot, Phivolcs volcano monitoring division duty officer, said phreatic explosions are still possible under Alert Level 1.

“Its low parameter values do not mean phreatic eruption is no longer possible. In fact, even with no alert level up, Bulusan could explode ash anytime,” Malipot told The STAR.

Two phreatic explosions occurred in Bulusan on June 5 and June 12, with nearly 200 volcanic quakes recorded. Ash fall blanketed villages in Irosin, Juban, Bulusan and Casiguran.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said around 500 families in Juban and Irosin who evacuated at the height of Bulusan’s phreatic eruptions have returned to their homes.