Mount Bulusan

Bulusan is classified by volcanologists as a stratovolcano (or a composite cone) and covers the northeast rim of Irosin caldera that was formed about 40,000 years ago. It has a peak elevation of {{convert|1565|m|ft|abbr=on}} above sea level with a base diameter of {{convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}}.

Around the mountain are four craters and four hot springs. The first crater, called Blackbird Lake, is {{convert|20|m|ft|abbr=on}} in diameter and {{convert|15|m|ft|abbr=on}} deep. The second crater is oval, with dimensions of {{convert|60|by|30|m|ft|abbr=on}} and {{convert|15|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The third crater is about {{convert|90|m|ft|abbr=on}} in diameter and {{convert|20|m|ft|abbr=on}} deep, while the fourth, which is near the northeastern rim opened during the 1981 eruption. There is also a {{convert|100|m|ft|adj=on}} fissure measuring {{convert|5|to|8|m|ft|abbr=on}} wide below this crater.

The volcano's hot springs are:

• Mapaso
• Masacrot
• San Benon
• San Vicente

Adjacent volcanic edifices are:

• Mount Batuan
• Mount Binitacan
• Mount Calaunan
• Mount Calungalan
• Mount Homahan
• Mount Jormajan
• Mount Juban
• Mount Tabon-Tabon

Bulusan is generally known for its sudden, steam-driven or phreatic explosions. It has erupted 15 times since 2016 and is the fourth most active volcano in the Philippines after Mayon, Taal, and Kanlaon.

There are evacuation procedures in place for parts of the peninsula; the farms nearest the volcano are to be evacuated, and many village schools will be closed if a more destructive eruption is possible.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) declared alert level 1 on March 19, after it recorded increased seismic unrest. On June 8, volcanologists raised the alert level to 2 (moderate level of seismic unrest) after the volcano spewed ash. On June 9, the resulting ash cloud damaged a number of houses in the nearby town of Casiguran, {{convert|5|km|mi}} north of the volcano, and reached Sorsogon City, about {{convert|20|km|mi}} north of Bulusan.

On June 13, volcanologists said new craters were created by mild explosions. Aside from the new craters, two of the volcano's existing four craters appeared to have merged and cracks were observed on the western rim of the summit crater. Another eruption took place on April 8, 2007.{{Cite news |date=April 8, 2007 |title=Easter Sunday alert: Bulusan explodes; Taal acting up, too |work=GMA News |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/37377/easter-sunday-alert-bulusan-explodes-taal-acting-up-too/story/ |access-date=June 7, 2022}}

File:Mt-Bulusan.jpg

Following some signs of volcanic activity, on the morning of July 31, 9:37{{nbsp}}am (local time), there was a loud explosion described by locals as "like a bomb going off". A cloud of steam and ash shot into the air from Mount Bulusan to a height of {{convert|5|km|mi}}, drifting and blanketing the surrounding countryside. The eruption lasted for 20 minutes.{{Cite news |last=Barcia |first=Rhaydz |date=August 1, 2007 |title=Bulusan eruption 2007's 25th, big bang possible |work=The Manila Times |url=http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/aug/01/yehey/top_stories/20070801top2.html |url-status=dead |access-date=June 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090109001620/http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/aug/01/yehey/top_stories/20070801top2.html |archive-date=January 9, 2009}}

On November 7, PHIVOLCS recorded increased seismic activity at Bulusan Volcano, 24 hours after it spewed a {{convert|600|m|ft|adj=on}} ash column and grayish steam on November 5. State volcanologists noted that at least 10 volcanic earthquakes and four explosion-type events were documented after the emission of ash and steam at 8{{nbsp}}a.m. on November 5. PHIVOLCS also noted that steaming activity was characterized by strong emission of white steam column that reached a maximum height of 200 meters above the crater rim. It warned the public not to enter the four-kilometer permanent danger zone from the volcano. People near the valleys and streams were also advised to be "extra alert" against sediment-laden stream flows in the event of heavy rains.{{Cite news |last=de Vera |first=Ellalyn B. |date=November 7, 2010 |title=Bulusan Volcano Shows Increased Seismic Activity |work=Manila Bulletin |url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/286358/bulusan-volcano-shows-increased-seismic-activity |access-date=June 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910200344/http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/286358/bulusan-volcano-shows-increased-seismic-activity |archive-date=September 10, 2012}} More ash ejection was reported on November 8–9, with ash fall in Juban and Irosin. A PHIVOLCS bulletin on November 9 stated that eight volcanic earthquakes were recorded from the volcano during the past 24 hours and weak to moderate emission of ash explosion was observed. PHIVOLCS also warned residents near valleys and streams against sediment-laden stream flows in the event of heavy and continuous rainfall.{{Cite news |date=November 9, 2010 |title=Bulusan volcano spews more ash |work=ABS-CBN News |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/regions/11/09/10/bulusan-volcano-spews-more-ash |access-date=June 7, 2022}}

After months of little activity, the volcano suddenly erupted and released a plume of ash {{convert|2|km|mi}} high, after water reacted with the hot magma. PHIVOLCS said such explosions were likely to continue for the coming weeks. Initially, hundreds of nearby residents evacuated on their own, but the government stepped in to evacuate thousands more, and imposed a {{convert|4|km|mi|adj=on}} travel ban around the crater. They also advised airplanes to avoid the immediate perimeter due to ash and debris in the air.{{Cite news |date=February 23, 2011 |title=Child dies under volcanic ash cloud in Philippines |work=Agence France-Presse |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/philippinesvolcano |url-status=dead |access-date=June 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225165602/https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/philippinesvolcano |archive-date=February 25, 2011 |via=Yahoo! News}}{{Cite news |date=February 21, 2011 |title=Philippine volcano erupts twice in 24 hours |language=en |work=CNN |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/02/20/philippine.volcano.erupts/index.html |access-date=June 7, 2022}}

On July 13, during the 24-hour observation period, the seismic network detected thirteen volcanic earthquakes.{{Cite news |last=Sabillo |first=Kristine Angeli |date=July 13, 2014 |title=Mt. Bulusan acting up |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/619209/mt-bulusan-acting-up-phivolcs |access-date=July 13, 2014}}

Mount Bulusan ejected a {{convert|250|m|ft|abbr=on}} ash plume on May 1, at around 9:46 pm, lasting for 3.5 minutes. The incident was classified as a "minor explosion event" by PHIVOLCS leading to the raising of alert level 1 (abnormal activity) for the surrounding area. A second ash explosion lasting for five minutes also occurred on the same day. PHIVOLCS determined the cause of the eruptions to be hydrothermal activity beneath the volcano. People were advised not to enter the {{convert|4|km|mi|abbr=on}} permanent danger zone. Further advisories were given to low-flying aircraft against the dangers of sudden phreatic eruptions, and to local residents near rivers and streams in case of lahar flows.{{Cite news |last=Mangosing |first=Frances |title=Bulusan 'abnormal;' Alert Level 1 up – Phivolcs |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/689792/bulusan-abnormal-alert-level-1-up-phivolcs |access-date=May 7, 2015}}{{Cite news |last=Amo |first=Cesar |date=May 7, 2015 |title=Phivolcs sends team to Bulusan |work=The Philippine Star |location=Legazpi, Philippines |url=http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/05/07/1451876/phivolcs-sends-team-bulusan |url-status=dead |access-date=May 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508120517/http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/05/07/1451876/phivolcs-sends-team-bulusan |archive-date=May 8, 2015}}{{Cite news |last=Geronga |first=Jean Rose |date=May 7, 2015 |title=Alert Level 1: Mount Bulusan spews 250-meter ash plume |work=CNN Philippines |url=http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2015/05/07/bulusan-250-meter-ash-plume.html |access-date=May 7, 2015 |archive-date=July 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723042830/http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2015/05/07/bulusan-250-meter-ash-plume.html |url-status=dead }} There were also concerns that rains from Typhoon Noul could trigger lahars and mudslides near the mountain.{{Cite news |date=May 8, 2015 |title=Typhoon Noul: Philippines evacuates residents threatened by typhoon, volcano |work=ABC News |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-08/philippines-threatened-by-typhoon-noul-and-volcano/6456054 |access-date=May 11, 2015}} However, after Noul recurved to the north, the threat did not materialize and the evacuees were permitted to return to their homes.{{Cite news |date=May 10, 2015 |title=Typhoon intensifies as it zeroes in on northern tip of Philippines; 1,400 evacuated |work=U.S. News & World Report |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2015/05/10/typhoon-intensifies-closes-in-on-philippines-northern-tip |access-date=May 11, 2015}}

On June 16, Mount Bulusan generated two volcanic eruptions with the first one recorded at 11:02{{nbsp}}am which lasted for 10 minutes producing a one kilometer high grayish steam and ash plume and accompanied by rumbling sounds. The second one was recorded at 11:20{{nbsp}}am which lasted for a minute producing only a small ash plume.{{Cite news |date=June 16, 2015 |title=Bulusan Volcano ejects ashes anew; classes suspended in two towns |work=Philippine Information Agency |url=http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/801434460948/bulusan-volcano-ejects-ashes-anew-classes-suspended-in-two-towns |url-status=dead |access-date=June 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621164431/http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/801434460948/bulusan-volcano-ejects-ashes-anew-classes-suspended-in-two-towns |archive-date=June 21, 2015}} On June 18, the volcano once again erupted but was not observed visually due to thick clouds covering the summit. Prior to the eruption, rumbling sounds was heard between 5:00{{nbsp}}am to 7:00{{nbsp}}am by residents of the village of Monbon in Irosin town. The next day, June 19, Bulusan erupted yet again at around 2:55{{nbsp}}pm producing a 1.5-kilometer high ash plume.{{Cite news |last=Arguelles |first=Mar S. |date=June 19, 2015 |title=Bulusan blows top anew, sends 1.5-km ash column |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/699637/bulusan-blows-top-anew-sends-1-5-km-ash-column |access-date=June 21, 2015}}

On June 10, almost a year after its last eruption, Mount Bulusan erupted again at 11:35{{nbsp}}am. The eruption lasted for five minutes and generated an ash plume measuring 6,562 feet or some 2,000 meters.{{Cite news |last=Gepuela, Lou |date=June 10, 2016 |title=Mount Bulusan erupts |work=Rappler |url=http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/disasters/135992-mount-bulusan-eruption |access-date=June 16, 2016}} According to PHIVOLCS, the eruption was phreatic in nature and had a shallow source, with the ash drifting northwest to the direction of Juban town.{{Cite news |last=Luces, Nico |date=June 10, 2016 |title=Mt. Bulusan spews ashes anew |work=Manila Bulletin |url=http://www.mb.com.ph/breaking-mt-bulusan-erupts/ |access-date=June 16, 2016}} While the PHIVOLCS did not raise the alert level 1 in the volcano, it advised residents not to enter the four-kilometer permanent danger zone and warned pilots not to fly near the volcano.{{Cite news |date=June 10, 2016 |title=Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon erupts |work=CNN Philippines |url=http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2016/06/10/mount-bulusan-erupts-sorsogon-volcano.html |access-date=June 16, 2016 |archive-date=June 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613015600/http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2016/06/10/mount-bulusan-erupts-sorsogon-volcano.html |url-status=dead }}

On December 29, Mount Bulusan had a phreatic eruption, shooting a plume of ash about two kilometers high. It happened 2:40{{nbsp}}pm local time and lasted for about 16-minutes. The eruption prompted PHIVOLCS to raise Alert level 1 for the surrounding areas and remind the public not to enter the 4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone.{{Cite news |date=December 29, 2016 |title=LOOK: Bulusan spews 2000-meter ash column |work=ABS-CBN News |url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/29/16/look-bulusan-spews-2000-meter-ash-column/}}

On May 6, PHIVOLCS reported that two volcanic earthquakes were recorded during the past 24 hours. Wispy emission of white steam-laden plumes from the active vents was observed. Alert level 1 (abnormal) status remained in effect.{{Cite news |date=May 5, 2019 |title=Alert level 1 up on Mt. Bulusan |work=CNN Philippines |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/5/5/mount-bulusan-sorsogon-phivolcs-alert-level-1.html |access-date=June 7, 2022 |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921170818/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/5/5/mount-bulusan-sorsogon-phivolcs-alert-level-1.html |url-status=dead }}

PHIVOLCS raised the alert status of Bulusan Volcano from alert level 0 to alert level 1 after an increase in seismic activity was observed in the past days.{{Cite news |date=July 6, 2020 |title=Alert Level 1 up over Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon |work=The Philippine Star |url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/07/06/2026073/alert-level-1-over-bulusan-volcano-sorsogon |access-date=June 7, 2022}}

File:Timelapse video of Bulusan Volcano after its eruption on June 12, 2022.webm

On May 11, PHIVOLCS raised the alert status of Bulusan Volcano from alert level 0 to alert level 1 due to increased seismic activity since May 8.{{Cite news |last=Lalu |first=Gabriel Pabico |date=May 11, 2021 |title=Phivolcs raises Alert Level 1 over Mount Bulusan amid increased seismic activity |language=en |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1430544/phivolcs-raises-alert-level-1-over-mount-bulusan-amid-increased-seismic-activity |access-date=June 7, 2022}}

On June 5, PHIVOLCS reported that Mount Bulusan had a phreatic eruption with a height of about one kilometer, and the alert level status was raised to alert level 1.{{Cite news |last1=Parrocha |first1=Azer |last2=Calipay |first2=Connie |date=June 5, 2022 |title=Phivolcs raises Alert Level 1 over Bulusan Volcano |work=Philippine News Agency |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175909 |access-date=June 7, 2022}} Ash fall was reported in Juban and Casiguran.{{Cite news |date=June 5, 2022 |title=Bulusan Volcano under Alert Level 1 due to phreatic eruption |work=Rappler |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/phivolcs-bulusan-volcano-alert-level-june-5-2022/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220605063118/https://www.rappler.com/nation/phivolcs-bulusan-volcano-alert-level-june-5-2022/ |archive-date=June 5, 2022}}{{Cite news |last=Cabristante |first=Raffy |date=June 5, 2022 |title=Phivolcs reports phreatic eruption at Bulusan Volcano |work=ABS-CBN News |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/05/22/phivolcs-reports-phreatic-eruption-at-mt-bulusan |access-date=June 5, 2022}}{{Cite news |last1=Lema |first1=Karen |last2=Portugal |first2=Adrian |date=June 5, 2022 |title=Philippines raises alert level at restive volcano after spewing cloud of ash |work=Reuters |editor-last=Mallard |editor-first=William |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/philippines-raises-alert-level-restive-volcano-after-spewing-cloud-ash-2022-06-05/ |access-date=June 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220605054504/https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/philippines-raises-alert-level-restive-volcano-after-spewing-cloud-ash-2022-06-05/ |archive-date=June 5, 2022}} The DOH advised the public to remain indoors.{{Cite news |last=Doctor |first=Mel Matthew |title=DOH advises public to stay indoors due to ashfall from Bulusan Volcano |work=GMA News |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/833954/doh-advises-public-to-stay-indoors-due-to-ashfall-from-bulusan-volcano/story/ |access-date=June 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605065248/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/833954/doh-advises-public-to-stay-indoors-due-to-ashfall-from-bulusan-volcano/story/ |archive-date=June 5, 2022}} The local government of Juban ordered residents to evacuate from affected areas.{{Cite news |last=Mier-Manjares |first=Ma April |date=June 5, 2022 |title=Juban town orders forced evacuation of residents affected by ashfall from Mt. Bulusan |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1606715/juban-town-orders-forced-evacuation-of-residents-affected-by-ashfall-from-mt-bulusan |access-date=June 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605081416/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1606715/juban-town-orders-forced-evacuation-of-residents-affected-by-ashfall-from-mt-bulusan |archive-date=June 5, 2022}} The NDRRMC reported at least 180 individuals from Juban were evacuated.{{Cite news |last=Mier-Manjares |first=Daniza Fernandez, Ma April |date=June 6, 2022 |title=180 residents evacuated as Mt. Bulusan rumbles |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1606885/over-170-persons-evacuated-as-mt-bulusan-rumbles |access-date=June 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220606021936/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1606885/over-170-persons-evacuated-as-mt-bulusan-rumbles |archive-date=June 6, 2022}} On June 12, a phreatic eruption took place at 3:37 am (local time) and lasted for about 18 minutes.{{Cite news |date=June 12, 2022 |title=Bulusan Volcano erupts anew; Alert Level 1 remains —PHIVOLCS |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/science/834669/bulusan-volcano-erupts-anew-alert-level-1-remains-phivolcs/story/ |work=GMA News |access-date=June 12, 2022}}

• Bulusan Volcano Natural Park
• List of volcanoes in the Philippines
• List of active volcanoes in the Philippines
• List of potentially active volcanoes in the Philippines
• List of inactive volcanoes in the Philippines

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=16528 NASA Earth Observatory satellite image of ash plume at Mount Bulusan]
• {{cite gvp|vn=273010|title=Bulusan}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080912030551/http://volcano.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/update_VMEPD/Volcano/VolcanoList/bulusan.htm Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Bulusan Volcano Page]
• [http://geographic.org/photos/volcanoes/volcano_photos_314.html Photos of Bulusan volcano (Geographic.org)]

{{Volcanoes of the Philippines}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bulusan}}

Category:Stratovolcanoes of the Philippines

Category:Subduction volcanoes

Category:Volcanoes of Luzon

Category:Mountains of the Philippines

Category:Active volcanoes of the Philippines

Category:Landforms of Sorsogon