Mount Mayon Volcano, Philippines Flashcards
(14 cards)
Where is Mount Mayon located, and what type of volcano is it?
Mount Mayon is in the Philippines, near the city of Legaspi, and is a composite volcano on a convergent boundary between the Eurasian and Philippine plates.
How high is Mount Mayon, and what makes it geologically significant?
It is 2,462m high and is the most active volcano in the Philippines, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
What is the population of Legaspi, and why is it vulnerable to volcanic hazards?
Nearly 200,000 people live in Legaspi, which is near Mayon and vulnerable to ashfall, lava flows, lahars, and pyroclastic flows.
When did the 2018 eruption of Mount Mayon begin and what was the first sign?
It began on 13 January with a phreatic eruption sending ash 2,500m into the air.
What volcanic activity occurred on 22–23 January 2018?
Lava fountains, ash columns up to 3 km high, pyroclastic flows, lava bombs, and rockfalls were observed.
How many people were evacuated during the eruption?
74,000 people were evacuated in total from around the volcano.
Were there any deaths during the 2018 Mount Mayon eruption?
No deaths were reported.
What were some immediate impacts on infrastructure and services?
Schools and colleges were closed, some roads were blocked by ash and landslides, and flights were disrupted.
What economic sector was most affected and what was the cost?
Agriculture was most affected, with $3.4 million in damages impacting over 10,000 farmers.
How can volcanic ash have both negative and positive long-term effects?
In the short term, it destroys crops, but in the long term, it enriches soil fertility.
What emergency support did the Filipino government provide?
$1 million for a ‘Cash for Work’ program, hygiene kits for 50,000 families, and 100 days of food packs for evacuees.
How did the army and NGOs respond?
The army enforced evacuations, while organizations like the Philippine Red Cross and the National Council of Churches gave medical and relief support.
What international support did the U.S. provide during the eruption?
The U.S. donated over $100,000 for hygiene kits, latrines, and education on water safety.
What travel warnings were issued during the eruption?
The U.S., UK, and Canada issued travel advisories against visiting Mount Mayon.
