Volcano eruption in C. Philippines prompts evacuation of 2,000 people

MANILA. February 21. KAZINFORM At least 2,000 people have been evacuated to safer grounds following Monday's explosion on Mt. Bulusan in the central Philippine province of Sorsogon; Kazinform refers to Xinhua.

photo: QAZINFORM

Maj. Harold Cabunoc, spokesman of the Army's 9th Infantry Division, said military trucks started evacuating the residents living at the foot of the volcano soon after they received a report of the explosion.

Cabunoc said the soldiers have brought 400 families to evacuation centers in Sorsogon. A total of 300 families were brought to the Gallano High School in Irosin town while the other 100 families were taken to the Cogon Elementary School in Juban town.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology ( PHILVOCS) reported Mt. Bulusan exploded 9:15 a.m., local time. Ash from the steam-triggered explosion hit as high as two kilometers, according to PHIVOLCS director Renato Solidum said; Kazinform cites Xinhua.

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