29 quakes detected in Mt Bulusan, alert status raised to Level 1

AT least 29 earthquakes were detected in Mt Bulusan in the past 24 hours said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

 In its 5 a.m. bulletin on Monday, June 6, Phivolcs also observed a 150-meter high “voluminous” emission from Bulusan Volcano.

Following its phreatic eruption, Bulusan Volcano’s alert status was raised to Level 1 on Sunday, which means there was a “slight increase” in volcanic earthquake and steam or gas activity.

Under Alert Level 1, Phivolcs also noted that there is a continuing threat of “sporadic explosions from existing or new vents.”

Likewise, there is a notable increase in the temperature of hot springs surrounding the volcano and slight inflation or swelling of the volcano’s edifice.

Phivolcs reminded the public that entry into the four-kilometer permanent danger zone is strictly prohibited because of possible sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions.

PUBLIC ASSURED

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has assured the public that policemen are on top of the situation in Sorsogon towns following the eruption of Mt. Bulusan, saying security forces are enough to prevent the looting of stores in affected areas.

PNP Director for Operations Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon said in a press briefing on Monday morning that the PNP is trying to avoid looting, which he says often happens during calamities and evacuation of areas.

De Leon said that while the PNP understands the dire situations of the people affected by the volcanic eruption on Sunday, it is still not a reason to steal goods from stores.

“Of course, we are avoiding the looting that (is) usually happening in areas where there are calamities, whether it is man-made or natural disasters, this is to ensure that the law breakers are not going to proliferate in the area,” he told reporters in Camp Crame.

“Alam mo (You know) even in our Tacloban lessons and all other areas, survival kasi ito eh, ‘yong walang makain (this is survival, some have no food to eat).  But they are not — this is not their gate pass to loot an establishment(s) that are being closed,” he added.