Location: Manila, Philippines
Covering Period: 21 to 22 February 2011
Date of Transmission 22 February 2011
General Information
Bulusan Volcano (12°46.2'N, 124°03'E) in the province of Sorsogon (Bicol Region) generated 16 volcanic earthquakes yesterday, 21 February 2011, two of which were explosion type, emitting 3 km of ash above the summit. These volcanic eruptions which took place at 9:12am and 10:27am were the most recent significant event registered by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) since Mount Bulusan started to record increased activity last 06 November 2010.
The immediate vicinity remains at alert level 1, the reason for activity being hydrothermal and shallow. The observance of the 4km permanent danger zone is implemented; PHIVOLCS announced that minor explosions are expected and could lead to sudden steam explosions.
Further, the prevailing wind direction moving towards northwest and southwest predisposes risk associated with ash falls. Initial assessment showed that 17 barangays of Irosin, 5 barangays of Juban and 59 barangays of Bulan already experienced ash falls. The wind has also carried the ash towards Magallanes and Masbate City. As of yesterday, 75 families (319 individuals) in Irosin evacuated to a school facility.
Warning over possible sediment-laden flows in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall has been raised over communities along valleys and streams.
Maharlika and Gati-Bulan Airport Road were affected but remain passable.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has since been monitoring the local situation and has deployed teams in the area. Coordination with government partners are also ongoing.
Health Impact
There were no reports of unusual increase in respiratory complaints nor casualties in the affected barangays.
Department of Health (DOH) Response
DOH - Health Emergency Management Staff (DOH-HEMS) is closely coordinating with PHIVOLCS and Center for Health Development (CHD) V. Yesterday, Sorsogon HEMS delivered facemasks to Irosin and Bulan.
WHO Response
The WRPHL Emergency and Humanitarian Action is monitoring the situation closely. Regular communication and coordination with DOH - HEMS is maintained.
Provincial and municipal health officers of the Bicol region have already been trained on the use of the Surveillance in Post Extreme Emergency and Disaster (SPEED) system. SPEED is a reporting system that can be used to monitor the health of affected populations in the event of a major volcanic activity requiring mass displacement. This is a DOH-HEMS project supported by the WHO.
Sources
Department of Health - Health Emergency Management Staff [DOH - HEMS], San Lazaro Compound, Sta Cruz, Manila.
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council [NDRRMC], Eruption Notification Re Bulusan Volcano, 21 February 2011, 10am
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council [NDRRMC], Bulusan Volcano Update, 21 February 2011, 10:30 am, 6pm
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology [PHIVOLCS], Bulusan Volcano Bulletin, 22 February 2011, 8am
For further information please contact:
Dr Katherine Ann S. Villegas
Emergency and Humanitarian Action
Office of the WHO Representative in the Philippines
email: villegask@wpro.who.int