A sudden phreatic eruption of Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon province, Philippines, early Monday morning has left tens of thousands of residents grappling with heavy ashfall and forced evacuations. The eruption, which lasted 24 minutes, spewed an ash plume 4.5 kilometers into the sky, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to elevate the volcano’s alert status from level 0 to level 1, signaling low-level unrest with the potential for further activity. As local authorities scramble to assist affected communities, the event underscores the persistent threat of volcanic hazards in the region.
Immediate Impact on Sorsogon Towns
Around 70,000 residents across the towns of Juban, Irosin, and Magallanes in Sorsogon province have been affected by the eruption, with heavy to moderate ashfall blanketing several barangays (villages). In Juban, areas like Puting Sapa and Buraburan bore the brunt of the ashfall, while in Irosin, communities such as Cogon and Bolos reported similar conditions. Magallanes also saw ashfall in Tulatula Sur, disrupting daily life for thousands.
At least 118 individuals from the hardest-hit areas, including Cogon in Irosin and Puting Sapa in Juban, have been evacuated to designated shelters. The Juban Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) confirmed that disaster response teams are on the ground, providing aid to those most affected. “We are prioritizing the safety of our residents and ensuring they have access to basic needs during this crisis” said Arvee Lodronio, head of Juban’s MDRRMO. 
Volcanic Activity and Warnings
According to Phivolcs, the eruption began at 4:36 a.m. on Monday, preceded by ominous rumbling sounds heard by local officials. The event unleashed a pyroclastic density current—a dangerous mix of volcanic particles, hot gases, and ash—that surged down the southwestern slopes of Mt. Bulusan for 3 kilometers from the summit. In the 24 hours leading up to the eruption, the agency recorded 53 volcanic earthquakes, a sign of mounting unrest beneath the volcano.
With the alert level now at 1, Phivolcs has warned of the possibility of additional phreatic eruptions, which are driven by steam and gas rather than magma. The public has been strictly advised to avoid the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) around the volcano and to remain vigilant within a 2-kilometer extended danger zone to the southeast. Hazards such as rockfalls, ballistic projectiles, avalanches, and further ashfall remain a concern, particularly for communities near valleys and rivers on the volcano’s southeast, southwest, and northwest flanks.
Residents in ashfall-affected areas have been urged to take precautions, including wearing protective masks or using wet cloths to avoid inhaling fine volcanic particles. Phivolcs has also cautioned civil aviation authorities to prevent aircraft from flying near the summit, as sudden ash plumes could pose significant risks.
Community Response and Challenges
The eruption has disrupted livelihoods in Sorsogon, a province already familiar with the challenges of living near an active volcano. Ashfall has coated homes, crops, and water sources, raising concerns about health risks and agricultural losses. Local governments are now tasked with clearing ash from public spaces and ensuring clean water supplies for affected residents, a process that could take weeks.
For those evacuated, temporary shelters provide immediate relief, but the uncertainty of when they can return home weighs heavily. Heavy rainfall, a common occurrence in the region, could exacerbate the situation by triggering lahars—mudflows of volcanic debris—that threaten communities along rivers and streams. Phivolcs has specifically highlighted this risk, urging vigilance during storms.
Broader Context of Volcanic Risks in the Philippines
Mt. Bulusan, located in the Bicol Region of Luzon, is one of the Philippines’ 24 active volcanoes. The country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonically volatile zone that makes it prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. Bulusan itself has a history of phreatic eruptions, with notable events in recent decades disrupting local communities. Monday’s eruption serves as a reminder of the ever-present risks faced by millions living near active volcanic sites.
Phivolcs’ alert level system, ranging from 0 (normal) to 5 (hazardous eruption in progress), is a critical tool for managing these risks. The shift to level 1 indicates that while the current situation is not catastrophic, preparedness is essential. Local government units have been reminded to enforce restrictions around danger zones and to prepare for potential escalation if seismic activity or other indicators intensify.
Looking Ahead
As Sorsogon’s communities begin the arduous task of recovery, questions linger about the volcano’s next moves. Will Mt. Bulusan remain at low-level unrest, or could further eruptions test the region’s resilience? For now, disaster response teams and local authorities are focused on immediate needs, but long-term strategies for mitigating volcanic risks—such as improved monitoring, community education, and infrastructure resilience—will be crucial in safeguarding lives and livelihoods.
The resilience of Sorsogon’s residents shines through even in the face of nature’s unpredictability. As ash is cleared and shelters provide temporary refuge, the collective spirit of these communities offers hope amid uncertainty.
