The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology placed Mt. Bulusan under Alert Level 1 following a 24-minute phreatic eruption early Sunday, warning residents to stay outside the four-kilometer danger zone.
Ashfall was reported in several barangays in Sorsogon as a 4,500-meter plume rose from the crater, prompting health and disaster officials to advise precautions and prepare relief operations.
The Coast Guard has mobilized response teams, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development has prepositioned over 180,000 food packs to support affected families.
Despite the unrest, the Commission on Elections said the scheduled May 12 polls would proceed, with contingency plans for displaced voters.
Authorities continue to monitor Bulusan closely for possible escalation to Alert Level 2 amid ongoing volcanic activity.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 29, 2025
