Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon spewed a massive column of ash about two kilometers into the sky sending residents of surrounding areas fleeing for cover yesterday, but in Negros Occidental Kanlaon Volcano appeared to have calmed down during the weekend.

Science research analyst Ben Tanatan of PHIVOLCS said Kanlaon only emitted white steam ranging from 50 to 150 meters above the summit with no ash and volcanic earthquakes recorded yesterday.

The volcano appeared to have calmed down although alert level 1 is still in place, he said.

Alert Level 1 remains over Kanlaon to prevent trekkers from entering the four kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone until further notice.

However, activity in Mt. Bulusan yesterday raised fears that the 1,565-meter (5,134-foot) high volcano, on the southern tip of Luzon island, might be ready to erupt.

Radio reports from the scene said a loud explosion had been heard from the crater and that the falling ash had turned vegetation, houses and even cattle around the volcano, white.

However, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The ash explosion was not preceded by volcanic quakes and may just be the result of hot rocks coming into contact with groundwater, said Julio Sabit of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

He said that more explosions were expected but would not say if the volcano might erupt.

Authorities have set up a six-kilometer (four-mile) danger zone around the volcano where no one is supposed to enter. The volcano has been periodically ejecting ash into the sky amid a greater frequency of volcanic quakes in recent days.

Mayor Edwin Hamor of the nearby city of Casiguran, said 42 families who lived near the volcano were being evacuated to a local school after ash fell on their community.

Experts have warned that a major eruption could threaten the lives of at least 20,000 people in a "worst-case scenario."

Bulusan is one of the most active of the 22 volcanoes that have erupted within recorded history in the Philippines. It has erupted 15 times, most recently in November 1994.*AFP/CPG

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