Earthquakes shake as Philippines volcano spews ash*

MANILA, Oct 4 (AFP) Oct 04, 2007

A volcano spewed huge clouds of ash that fell over villages Thursday in
the eastern Philippines, forcing authorities to shut schools for the day
and issue an alert to residents.

The 1,559-metre (5,145-foot) Mount Bulusan, on the southeastern tip of
the main island of Luzon, twice blew out ash before dawn followed by a
series of quakes, the state volcanology department said.

Ash fell in some five villages, and more eruptions will "continue to
occur in the coming days and weeks," it added.

Residents were advised to be on alert for potentially deadly mudflows.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus ordered schools in the town of Bulusan
to close for the day, affecting more than 3,500 students.

Chief volcanologist Renato Solidum said as many as 20 quakes were
recorded around the volcano. "Residents in the area should be wary," he
added.

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