Mt. Bulusan Sudden Eruption Triggers Disaster Response: Ashfall, Evacuations, and Relief Efforts
Mt. Bulusan’s sudden volcanic eruption early Monday morning sent a towering ash plume 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) into the sky, affecting thousands of residents in several towns across Sorsogon province. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) immediately raised the volcano’s alert level to 1, indicating low-level unrest and warning of possible future phreatic eruptions.
This sudden activity surprised most residents, evacuating dozens of people and triggering an increase in relief efforts by the national and local governments.
The eruption, which began at 4:36 a.m. and lasted for about 24 minutes, impacted at least 70,000 individuals, mainly from the towns of Irosin, Juban, and Magallanes. Residents reported heavy to moderate ashfall in several barangays, including Puting Sapa and Buraburan in Juban and Cogon and Bolos in Irosin.
Local disaster officials confirmed that 118 individuals were evacuated from the hardest-hit areas. They are currently staying in evacuation centers set up by local authorities. The Juban Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) is leading the ground response and assisting displaced families.
Phivolcs also confirmed that a pyroclastic density current (PDC), a fast-moving mixture of volcanic gases, ash, and rock fragments, flowed 3 kilometers down the volcano’s slopes. This raised additional concerns about potential hazards in surrounding areas.
Phivolcs Urges Public to Stay Vigilant
Following the eruption, Phivolcs issued a stern reminder for the public to stay out of the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around Mt. Bulusan. Due to the threat of rockfalls, avalanches, and sudden eruptions, an extended danger zone covering 2 kilometers to the southeast was also declared.
The agency reported 53 volcanic earthquakes within 24 hours before the eruption. It also warned that similar phreatic events could happen without warning. Civil aviation authorities were advised to avoid airspace near the volcano’s summit due to the risk of airborne ash.
Rumbling noises were said to have been heard by locals about 15 minutes before the eruption, contributing to the fear and panic in towns close by.
Agencies Join Forces for Emergency Response
In response to the eruption, the DSWD and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Bicol Region immediately initiated relief operations. OCD Bicol prepared 880 boxes of face masks, about 44,000 pieces, and 2,000 hygiene kits for immediate distribution to evacuees. The provincial government had requested 10,000 face masks and 1,500 hygiene kits to prevent respiratory issues and maintain basic hygiene among displaced residents.
The Bureau of Fire Protection began flushing out roads to remove heavy deposits of ash on primary highways and facilitate safe traffic flow and relief. The Department of Health (DOH) also placed a Code White Alert to see that health workers and facilities are ready to respond to potential medical emergencies.
To assess the full extent of the damage, OCD coordinated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to conduct aerial reconnaissance missions over the affected zones. These missions will support ongoing ground relief and response activities.
The Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate all disaster response efforts and to monitor further volcanic activity closely.
Director Claudio Yucot of OCD Region V also visited the evacuation centers and consulted with local officials to review current response actions. He assured that additional aid would be delivered as needed.
Mt. Bulusan is one of the 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines. Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the country is highly prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. While the volcano’s alert level remains at 1, residents are urged to stay alert and follow safety advisories from local authorities and Phivolcs.
Featured Photo: Councilor Irvin Fortes via Twitter/Volcaholic
