Volcano eruption unleashes ash cloud, Philippines raises alert level

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has raised the alert for Bulusan volcano from 0 to 1 (low level of volcanic unrest) on a 5-level scale, meaning the volcano is currently in the ” abnormal condition”.

Prior to the eruption, 77 volcanic earthquakes were recorded within 24 hours, the institute said in a statement. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has issued a warning that the volcano is currently in an unusual state and advised people not to go into the danger zone.

The volcano southeast of the Philippine capital spewed ash and steam about more than a kilometer into the sky. (Photo: AP)

Renato Solidum, head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, described Bulusan’s eruption as “phreatic” (a term used in hydrology to refer to aquifers), aka aquifers. steam, characteristic of the Bulusan volcano.

Mr. Solidum told Reuters: “A measure to prevent damage from volcanic eruptions has been put in place, according to which people are not allowed to enter the danger zone continuously within a radius of 4 km; and of course must be protection when ash falls, such as wearing a mask or staying indoors”.

Huge ash cloud from Bulusan volcano makes the sky gray.

A view of the Bulusan volcano in the town of Irosin in Sorsogon province, south of Manila, on February 23, 2011. (Photo: reuters)

Bulusan, one of 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines, last erupted in June 2017, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.

The Philippines is located in the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, where volcanic activity and earthquakes occur frequently.

Mount Pinatubo, on the island of Luzon, Northern Philippines, erupted in 1991 after “sleeping” for 600 years. That eruption buried dozens of villages under tons of mud. More than 800 people have died, mostly from illness in crowded shelters.