Sorsogon: Residents in communities surrounding Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon are urged to take precautionary measures as the volcano has been placed under Alert Level 1.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the volcano's status to Alert Level 1 (low-level unrest) due to an increase in some monitoring parameters such as seismicity and sulfur dioxide emission. Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol urged the public to take precautions and prepare, especially those inside the permanent danger zone.

People in the southeastern sector are advised to be cautious due to a vent observed on that side of Bulusan Volcano about 10 years ago. Bacolcol noted the potential for localized phreatic eruptions, ashfall, ballistic fragments, and pyroclastic density currents.

During a recent interview, Bacolcol mentioned the possibility of phreatic eruptions occurring even at Alert Level 0, although the timing and intensity remain unpredictable. Currently, shallow hydrothermal activity is being observed at the volcano.

Bacolcol emphasized the importance of monitoring for more and stronger earthquakes, surface deformation, changes in emission, and visible changes in the crater. He reiterated that entry into the four-kilometer permanent danger zone should be strictly prohibited, and residents should be vigilant for ashfall and possible sediment flows.