Philippines: Mayon Volcano - Feb 1993

Mayon volcano, located 330 km southeast of Manila in Albay Province, erupted twice on 2 February 1993 (at 11.00 hrs and 13.11 hrs). It blasted out clouds of hot ash that mixed with rain to form rivers of scorching mud. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) indicated that one of these eruptions lasted 30 minutes and that renewed, and more violent activity could be expected. PHIVOLCS has set the danger zone at six kilometres from the foot of the volcano. […] Affected areas are the Albay towns of Ligao, Camalig, Guinobatan and Daraga, Legaspi city as well as barangays at the foot of the volcano. Electricity was knocked out in major parts of Albay province. According to unconfirmed reports, 34 persons were killed and 25 injured. 16,000 fled their homes to seek refuge in churches and schoolhouses in nearby towns. Seventeen evacuation centres have been set-up to help evacuees in Legaspi city and in Albay province. Rescue operations are being conducted by the provincial disaster coordinating council (PDCC) in co-operation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine army and the local governments of the affected areas. Immediate food assistance is being provided by DSWD. (UN DHA, 3 Feb 1993)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) indicated that an eruption of Mt. Mayon of major intensity may occur within the next three to four days and raised the alert level accordingly. 37 barangays (villages) in Albay province and Legaspi city have been declared within the six to eight kilometre danger zone. As at 3 February 15.00 hrs local time, the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) confirmed 30 dead, 32 injured and 25 missing. 3,244 families (about 17,687 persons) are housed at 20 evacuation centres. President Ramos has declared the whole province of Albay and Legaspi city as calamity areas and ordered the immediate release of 4 million pesos (approx. $160,000) in calamity funds for relief and rescue operations. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has made available cash aid to the families of deceased victims. [...] Major roads to Albay province are passable to all types of vehicles. The national power corporation and Albay electric cooperative are undertaking repairs to damaged power lines. (UN DHA, 4 Feb 1993)

Mount Mayon continues its significant activity. Pyroclastic flows (glowing avalanches) have been observed on 5 - 6 February 1993, cascading down the southeastern side of the mountain and reaching an approximate distance of 5 km from the summit. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology And Seismology (PHIVOLCS) advises that larger explosive eruptions may occur at short notice within the coming weeks. The high danger zone has been increased to 10 km radius from the summit. The public is also reminded of the potential for lahar occurrences (mudflows) which might be triggered by moderate to heavy rains, in particular on new deposits on the south and southeastern side of the volcano. The number of casualties reported since 2 February has increased as follows: 62 dead, 10 injured, 20 missing. 8,276 families (31,640 persons) have been evacuated and are accommodated in 38 evacuation centres. The damage to agricultural crops, livestock, and refore station projects is estimated at 12 million Pesos (approximately $488,000). (UN DHA, 8 Feb 1993)

Mt. Mayon continues its volcanic activity. Since 19 March 1993, frequent eruptions with several km high ash laden steam columns and vigorous lava fountaining occurred. Multitude of explosion type earthquakes recorded by local seismographs. New incandescent lava materials accumulate at southeastern slope to a distance of 4.5 km from the crater. Alert level 5 in effect meaning hazardous explosive eruption in progress. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) maintains intense monitoring of volcano around the clock and recommends strict observance of the previously defined danger areas (6 km radius permanent danger zone and 10 km radius at southeastern sector of volcano). National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) provided following update: casualties (caused by original eruption on 2 February 1993): 77 dead, 9 injured and 2 missing. 108,000 persons directly affected by ash and lava flow, with 11,189 families (57,000 persons) evacuated. (UN DHA, 30 Mar 1993)