SORSOGON, Bicol — PHIVOLCS has reported a sudden increase in volcanic earthquakes at Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon, raising concerns among residents and local authorities. As of Monday morning, March 2, 2026, 49 volcanic quakes have been recorded within the area. Despite the spike, the agency maintains Alert Level 0, indicating that a strong eruption is not currently expected.

However, PHIVOLCS cautions that a steam-driven, or phreatic, eruption remains a possibility. Residents are strictly advised to avoid entering the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone surrounding the volcano, as rockfalls and sudden explosions could pose serious threats to life and property. The agency emphasizes that even minor changes in volcanic activity should not be underestimated.

This sudden increase in seismic activity at Bulusan highlights a recurring challenge for communities near active volcanoes: preparedness. Even at a low alert level, the unpredictability of volcanic behavior underscores the need for continuous monitoring, robust disaster response protocols, and public awareness. Local authorities must balance alerting the public without causing unnecessary panic, while residents themselves need to be educated and ready for evacuation at any moment. Mount Bulusan’s current activity also prompts a broader question about the country’s readiness for volcanic hazards. How well-equipped are nearby communities to respond to sudden volcanic events, and are local disaster risk reduction plans truly sufficient to protect lives when nature’s unpredictability strikes? (Larawan mula sa: DOST-PHIVOLCS / Facebook)