Bulusan volcano explodes ashes; Magnitude 5 quake jolts Sorsogon

SORSOGON PROVINCE (November 6) – Mt. Bulusan surprised anew its nearby residents by the sudden explosion of ashes from its crater at around 8:11am this morning, Nov. 6.

Abner Hipe, Philvocs Sorsogon resident volcanologist said the explosion was recorded at 500 meter high towards North West direction of Sorsogon province hitting Casiguran proper and brgy. San Antonio in Casiguran town and Brgy. Rangas and Anog in Juban.

Hipe said that in the wake of the ash explosions this morning, PHIVOLCS hoisted Alert Level 1 over Bulusan Volcano and warned the public not to enter the 4 kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) because the area is at high risk from sudden steam and ash explosions.

He said that Phivolcs had to observe further whether the phreatic explosion could start anew Bulusan's abnormal condition.

Mount Bulusan went back to life after being quiet for almost three years since its last activity in July 31, 2007.

Meanwhile, Sorsogon Governor Raul R. Lee immediately alerted the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) who in turn also alerted all the nearby barangays through their respective Municipal DRRC to take necessary action so as not to further damages to life and properties, particularly among the directly affected residents.

The Philippine Army, likewise, immediately responded for possible rescue and assistance necessary.

As of press time, no casualties and evacuees have been reported.

In other development, prior to the explosion, a magnitude 4 earthquake rocks Sorsogon City and Irosin town at 12:41 also this morning, Nov. 6.

Earthquake Information No. 2 released by DOST-Phivolcs reveals that the epicenter with magnitude of 6 was noted at 36 kms of San Pascual Burias Island with 021 (shallow) depth of focus. Possible source was at Sibuyan Sea Fault, tectonic in origin.

Reported intensities were: 5 in Lignon Hill, Legazpi City in Albay; 4 in Sorsogon City and Irosin town in Sorsogon, Masbate City in Masbate and the town of Sto. Domingo in Albay; and 3 in Cebu City.

It can also be noted that Sorsogon has also experienced a magnitude 3 earthquake on November 4, virtually two-day interval of this morning’s quake.

But Phivolcs Sorsogon tells the public not to panic and that the tremors felt were all tectonic in origin and has nothing to do with any volcanic activities.

However he warned the public not to lay back but instead be prepared all the time for any untoward and anticipate the worse scenarios every time an earthquake occurs particularly that no instrument yet was discovered to determine when an earthquake will happen. (Bennie A. Recebido, PIA Sorsogon)