Philippines volcano may trigger steam-driven eruptions

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Thursday warned of a possibility of steam-driven eruptions at Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon province, on the southeastern tip of Luzon island.

The institute said on Wednesday 18 volcanic earthquakes associated with rock fracturing were detected with depths of 2.71 to 8.56 kilometers beneath the eastern sector of the volcano.

In addition, the institute said that weak emissions of white steam-laden plumes from the crater summit and active vents on the southeastern slopes could be observed.

Philippines residents are being evacuated after the volcano explodes with a plume of steam.

These parameters are likely related to volcanic gas activity within the edifice and could potentially trigger steam-driven or phreatic eruptions from any active vents, the institute said.

The institute advised the people to stay away from a four-kilometre- radius danger zone. The southeastern slopes are also warned of a possibility of an eruption, rockfall, and landslide near the vents.

The institute also asked civil Aviation authorities to advise pilots to avoid flying close to the summit of volcano as ash from any sudden phreatic eruption can be dangerous to aircraft.

In June last year, the Bulusan volcano, 70 kilometers away from the Philippines' most active Mayon volcano, spewed ash and steam into the sky, blanketing parts of the province with ash, causing authorities to evacuate villagers.