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Phivolcs has recorded 475 volcanic tremors at Bulusan Volcano since March 15, indicating a return to ‘low-level turbulence’
MANILA, Philippines – The alert level of the province of Sorsogon Bulusan Volcano it was raised from 0 to 1 on Sunday, March 22, when the volcano “entered a period of low-level chaos” and the possibility of phreatic or steam explosions increased.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in a statement on Sunday that it has recorded 475 volcanic earthquakes in Bulusan since March 15.
“Many of these were weak volcano-tectonic earthquakes that are associated with the rupture of rocks at a shallow depth below the volcanic edifice,” Phivolcs said.
Clusters of volcanic earthquakes had preceded the Bulusan phreatic eruptions there. June 2022 and April 2025.
State volcanologists added that the western and southeastern parts of Bulusan have been inflated or swollen since the last week of January and the first week of March, respectively.
“In general, these parameters may indicate that underwater processes under the volcano are ongoing that could lead to steam-driven or phreatic eruptions in any of its summit vents,” Phivolcs said.
Due to the risk of flu outbreaks, Phivolcs reminded local government units and the public not to enter the 4km permanent danger zone surrounding Bulusan. Potential volcanic hazards include “pyroclastic flow currents, ballistic projectiles, rockfalls, avalanches, and ashfall.”
Before Sunday, Bulusan was under Alert Level 0 since February 6. Alert levels range from 0 (normal) to 5 (dangerous eruption ongoing).
Besides Bulusan, the Taal Volcano of Batangas province is also under current Caution Levelwhich it has maintained since July 11, 2022. Mayon Volcano of Albay province was raised to Caution Level Last January 6, while the Kanlaon Volcano of Negros Island was downgraded to Alert Level 2 on July 29, 2025. – Rappler.com
