PCG: 124 families return home after Mt. Bulusan eruption

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday stated that families displaced by the recent phreatic eruption of Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon are starting to return home.

The PCG said in a Viber message to reporters that 124 families or 456 residents of Barangay Putting Sapa and Barangay Dayhag in Juban, Sorsogon have so far been brought home by the PCG Station Sorsogon.

“Tumutulong ang PCG Station Sorsogon sa pagpapauwi ng mga apektadong pamilya sa kani-kanilang tahanan matapos lumikas noong Linggo, ika-12 ng Hunyo 2022, dahil sa isa na namang phreatic eruption ng Mount Bulusan (The PCG Station Sorsogon are providing assistance for the return of affected families to their homes after their evacuation on Sunday because of another phreatic eruption of Mount Bulusan),” it said.

According to the PCG, relief supplies and clean water will be delivered to these families for their everyday use.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Tuesday reported that a total of 69 volcanic earthquakes were recorded in Mount Bulusan in the past 24 hours.

It noted that there was an increase in plume emission—from 500 meters since Sunday’s eruption to 750 meters—bringing light ashfall in some areas of Sorsogon.

Mount Bulusan has remained “restive” since the eruption on Sunday, emitting “steam-laden plumes” with “periods of profuse volume and irregular ashing” since 4:30 a.m.

The continued post-eruption episodes are “anticipated” as the volcano continues to release energy, according to the report.