Bicol Hit by Earthquake and Bulusan Spews Ash

Let's pray for our brothers and sisters in Bicol as they were hit by a magnitude 6 earthquake early this morning, Saturday. As if the forces of nature didn't have enough, Bulusan Volcano ejected "steam and ash" that reached an approximate height of 600 meters at 8:11 a.m.

Bulusan volcano is located in the province of Sorsogon in the Bicol region.

The ash explosion happened hours after the Phivolcs recorded a magnitude 6.0 earthquake at 12:41 a.m.


Bulusan Volcano Bulletin says:

This is a notice for the raising of the alert level status of Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon Province.

At 8:11 A.M., Bulusan Volcano (12°46.2’ 124°03’) ejected a light grayish steam and ash column that reached an approximate height of 600 meters above the crater rim. The ash ejection was reflected as an explosion type earthquake with a duration of 57 seconds. Seismic records before the event showed four (4) volcanic earthquakes. Field investigation by PHIVOLCS volcanologists disclosed that areas 6-10 km NW of the crater were affected by traces of ash. These are Brgys. Rangas, Aniog, Cogon and Juban Proper, (Juban Municipality), Casiguran Proper and San Antonio (Casiguran Municipality).

In view of the above activity, PHIVOLCS is now raising the Alert Level status of Bulusan Volcano from Alert level 0 to Alert Level I (abnormal). This current activity may indicate hydrothermal disturbance underneath the volcano which may lead to more steam and ash ejections. In view of this, the public is strictly prohibited to enter the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone. People residing near the valleys and streams should be on extra alert against sediment-laden stream flows in the event of heavy rains.