Philippines: Volcanic Eruption - Sep 1984

Volcanic explosions from Mount Mayon in the central Philippines have spewed fiery ash several miles into the sky and sent incandescent rock avalanches streaming down its slopes towards the northwest and southwest. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology reports ash as falling over a radius of more than 10 miles (15 kms) and tremors have been felt over a wide area. As of 14 September, a total of 16,290 persons were evacuated from Daraga, Legaspi city, Guinobatan, Camalig, Ligao, Tabaco and Sto. Domingo. (UN DHA, 14 Sep 1984)

Seven more eruptions of a strong intensity have been observed. On 16 September, ash-laden clouds ejected to approx 3 kms. Of 29 mild eruptions recorded, 13 were accompanied by ash flows at the southeastern sector of the volcano. Heavy ash flows in several barangays (administrative districts) were situated southwest and northwest of the volcano. Considerable amounts of ash and other pyroclastic deposits have accumulated around Mayon's upper slope. Eighteen evacuation centers have been set up by the provincial disaster coordinating committee in municipalities Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Legaspi city, Ligao and Sto. Domingo. The number of evacuees has now risen to almost 26,000 persons. (UN DHA, 18 Sep 1984)

After a few days of lull, new explosions on 23 September (the largest since the eruption began on 9 september). The UNDRO/UNDP resident co-ordinator reports as of 25 September: 44,094 persons (7,997 families) are accomodated in 42 evacuation centres. (UN DHA, 28 Sep 1984)

Damage reported as of 27 September: Legaspi city: 98 percent agricultural crops damaged, water springs destroyed, roads washed out, some houses destroyed. Ministry of social services and development has carried out relief assistance as of 25 september, totalling pesos 1,196,532 (us dlrs 66,474) provided to 41,193 persons (7,252 families). (UN DHA, 28 Sep 1984)