|BULUSAN VOLCANO BULLETIN, 17 February 2011, 8:00 A.M.|
|Wednesday, 16 February 2011 23:29|
No volcanic earthquake was recorded by Bulusan Volcano’s (12°46.2’N, 124°03’E) seismic network during the past 24 hours. Steaming activity from the crater and known thermal vents was not observed due to thick clouds that covered the upper slope of the volcano. Measurement of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate was not possible due to rainy weather yesterday. Results of ground deformation surveys conducted last 25 – 29 January 2011 showed that the volcanic edifice was slightly deflated relative to December 2010 survey.
Bulusan Volcano’s status remains at Alert Level 1. This means that the source of activity is hydrothermal and shallow. No entry to the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strongly advised, since the area is at risk to sudden steam and ash explosions. Due to the prevailing wind direction, residents in the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano are reminded to take precautions against ashfalls. Civil aviation authorities must also warn pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may be hazardous to aircraft. Furthermore, people living near valleys and river/stream channels should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Bulusan Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately relayed to all concerned.