Mount Bulusan erupted for the second straight Sunday on June 12, blanketing surrounding communities in volcanic ash and forcing the cancellation of flights.
Bulusan, located on the southern tip of the Bicol peninsula is among the Philippines' most active volcanoes. Here's what you need to know about the alert levels, according to PHIVOLCS.
NEWS YOU CAN USE: How to Read Disaster Alerts for Volcanos, Earthquakes, and Typhoons
Alert Level 0
Unremarkable level of volcanic earthquakes within the volcano area. Generally weak steam emission.
While unlikely to spew magma or molten rocks, there could explosions, rockfalls and landslides twithin the four-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ.
Alert Level 1
There's a slight increase in volcanic earthquakes and steam or gas activity, sporadic explosions from existing or new vents. There's a notable increase in the temperature of hot springs. There's a slight inflation or swelling of the volcano edifice.
The source of volcanic activity is shallow, near the crater or in the vicinity of Irosin Caldera. Entry into the PDZ must be prohibited.
Alert Level 2
Volcanic earthquakes, steam and gas emissions, ground deformation and hot spring temperature are at elevated levels. There are intermittent steam and/or ash explosions and above sulfur dioxide emissions are above normal. There's ncreased swelling of the volcanic edifice.
A probable intrusion of magma beneath the volcano can lead to magmatic eruption. Entry within PDZ must be prohibited
Alert Level 3
There are more volcanic earthquakes, some which could be felt. There are also low-frequency earthquakes, volcanic tremors and rumbling sounds.
Emissions of steams and/or gas are more forceful and voluminous. The volcano also swells more at the dome, resulting to rock fall and lava flows.
Magma is near or at the surface, which could lead to hazardous eruption in weeks. Danger zones may be expanded up to eight kilometers from the active crater.
Alert Level 4
Earthquake swarms and volcanic tremor, many of which can be felt, increase further. Strong ash explosions are frequent. There's a sustained increase or sudden drop in sulfur dioxide emission. Ground deformation and swelling of the volcano becomes more more pronounced. The lava dome grows further, and lava flows and rocfalls increase.
Magma moving towards the surface indicate that an effusive erruption, characterized by lava flowing out of the crater, could be underway.Danger zones may be expanded up to nine kilometers from the active crater.
Alert Level 5
A magmatic eruption is underway, characterized by explosive production of tall ash-laden eruption columns, or by massive collapses of the summit lava dome. The volcano could generate deadly pyroclastic flows, surges and/or lateral blasts and widespread ashfall.
Life-threatening eruption producing volcanic hazards that endanger communities. Additional danger areas may be declared as eruption progresses.
Reportr is now on Quento. Download the app or visit the Quento website for more articles and videos from Reportr and your favorite websites.
