06 Jun 2022 | 05:40 AM UTC
Philippines: Increased volcanic activity at Bulusan Volcano, Sorsogon Province, Philippines as of June 6
Increased volcanic activity at Bulusan Volcano, Sorsogon Province, Philippines, June 6. Further evacuations, transport disruptions possible.
Event
Authorities have reported increased volcanic activity at the Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon Province, located approximately 50 km (31 miles) southeast of Legazpi City, Albay Province. The volcano erupted June 5 for 17 minutes, producing a voluminous ash plume that drifted west to northwest. Authorities have confirmed that thin, fine ash is affecting Casiguran, Juban, and Irosin municipalities in Sorsogon Province. As of early June 6, 29 small and weak volcanic earthquakes have occurred.
Evacuation orders are in place for residents in Anog, Bacolod, Buraburan, Catanusan, Guruyan, Puting Sapa, and Sangkayon barangays in Juban Municipality. Authorities have increased the volcano alert level to Level 1 - the second-lowest level. An exclusion zone of 4 km (2.5 miles) radius around the volcano and an extended 2 km (1 mile) in the southeast sector are in place.
Additional eruptions could cause further low-level seismic activity, ash clouds, and landslides in the surrounding area. Bulusan could continue to emit frequent gas and ash clouds over the coming days. Motorists are advised to drive with extreme caution as ash can result in poor visibility and, when wet, can make roads slippery. Civil aviation authorities have advised against flying close to the volcano’s summit due to the dangers of ash from any sudden phreatic eruption. Authorities have advised residents living in valleys and along river channels, especially on the southern and northwestern sectors of the volcano, to be vigilant for mudflows and lahars after heavy and prolonged rainfall. People, especially those with underlying pulmonary conditions such as asthma, COPD, or lung cancers may experience difficulty breathing and could suffer from lower tolerance to physical exertion than healthier individuals. Therefore, such individuals should take additional precautions to avoid excessive ash exposure.
Transport
Plan for possible transport disruptions in the surrounding area, especially if a significant eruptive event occurs. Road conditions could quickly deteriorate during periods of significant ashfall, and visibility could be reduced. Officials might close roads near the volcano depending on the presence of hazardous volcanic material. Fine particulate matter ejected from the volcano could pose a hazard to flights in the surrounding airspace. As of June 6, flights at Bicol International Airport (LGP) are continuing as scheduled. The airport is located approximately 54 km (34 miles) northwest of Bulusan Volcano. Further eruptions could prompt officials to close the airport again and/or divert flights.
Advice
Confirm flights if a large eruption occurs. Heed evacuation orders and the advice of local authorities. Prepare for localized traffic disruptions if operating near the volcano over the coming days. Do not check out of accommodation until onward travel is confirmed. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving; due to reduced visibility, drive cautiously in areas affected by ash. Carry facemasks and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation if operating in the affected area. Ash may cause respiratory irritation; individuals who suffer from pre-existing respiratory problems should carry adequate medication. Drink only bottled water as sulfur in the volcanic ash may contaminate local drinking water.
