Top Stories US Embassy posts Facebook travel warning over Bulusan volcano
The United States reminded its nationals via Facebook on Friday to stay away from restive Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon, especially in the wake of its explosion last Monday.
In a warden notice it issued to American nationals Friday, the US Embassy in Manila particularly warned of ash falls reaching Sorsogon and Masbate .
"The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens in the Philippines to avoid the area of the Bulusan Volcano, located in the Province of Sorsogon, approximately 300 kilometers (186.41 miles) southeast of Manila, on the island of Luzon," it said in its Facebook page.
It noted that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) had issued a Level 1 alert for the area around the Bulusan Volcano.
Such an alert level means there is a hazardous eruption in progress.
"Ashfall occurrences in the towns of Irosin, Bulan, Juban and Magallanes in Sorsogon and Masbate have been reported," it added.
The US Embassy also reminded US citizens the Philippine government has established a 4-km danger zone around the volcano.
It added the Philippine government had ordered forced evacuations, and no residents were allowed within the danger zone.
"The Embassy urges all U.S. citizens contemplating travel to the vicinity of Bulusan Volcano to carefully evaluate the potential danger of such travel. U.S. citizens in the area are urged to strictly observe any Philippine government restrictions on travel into the permanent danger zone and to pay close attention to daily status reports issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology," the Embassy said.
" U.S. citizens are also encouraged to inform the Embassy of any travel plans in the area," it added.
It said U.S. citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the Embassy at (63)(2) 301-2000.
In case of an emergency outside business hours, citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer through the Embassy operator at (63)(2) 301-2000.
NDRRMC: Ash fall affects livestock in Sorsogon
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the ash fall from Bulusan affected livestock in Irosin town in Sorsogon.
In its 1 p.m. update, the NDRRMC said the affected livestock included 88 heads of cattle, 510 carabaos, 288 goats, 1,915 swine, 5,160 chickens and 1,525 ducks.
"(The) grazing grounds of these animals were affected by ash fall, which may cause respiratory diseases and diarrhea," the agency said on its website. — TJD, GMA News
