Manila, June 5 (BNA): A volcano southeast of the Philippine capital dumped ash and steam one kilometer (half a mile) into the sky on Sunday, scattering ash over nearby villages and alarming residents.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alert level at Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon County after the 17-minute eruption, but added that there was no sign of a large eruption imminent, according to the Associated Press.
Officials said there were no reports of injuries. They said 14 people with four guides were hiking the trail of the 1,565-meter (5,134-foot) volcano when it erupted near noon, but all made it to a nearby town safely.
Bulusan, one of the country’s most active volcanoes, has been signs of unrest with intermittent ash and steam eruptions in recent years.
Ashfall has hit at least seven villages in and near Juban at the foot of Bulusan where people have been told to stay indoors and wear masks. Motorists have been advised to drive with caution.
Officials said they are assessing whether residents, especially pregnant women, the elderly, and children, will be evacuated.
Outside the permanent danger zone, the institute warned people, including those living on the vulnerable southeast side of the volcano, to remain alert due to the increased possibilities of sudden eruptions and mudflows amid the rainy season.
Aircraft were advised not to fly near the volcano, which is 600 kilometers (373 miles) southeast of Manila.
The Philippine archipelago, which includes about two dozen active volcanoes, is located on the “Ring of Fire” in the Pacific Ocean, where volcanic activity and earthquakes are common.
insult