Mount Mayon

Location of Mount Mayon

Philippines - 350km from Manila - 11km north of Legazpi

History of Mount Mayon

Has erupted 50 times in the last 500 years

Prior activity of Mount Mayon

First warning was 48 hours before the eruption - swelling on the surface of the mountain - sulphur dioxide emissions

Primary hazard of Mount Mayon

First eruption sent lava as high as 700m and ash 3km into the air

Secondary hazard of Mount Mayon

A second eruption produced an ash column 5km high

Environmental effects of Mount Mayon

Sulphur dioxide emissions - volcanic ash covered most of the surrounding area

Social effects of Mount Mayon

Food security decreased - health issues from exposure to ash and unsanitary conditions - over 60000 people evacuated for months

Economic effects of Mount Mayon

Decrease in work force as many evacuated - flight disruption - over $2 million in damages to agriculture

Immediate response of Mount Mayon

Safety alerts were issued - airports were closed - residents were evacuated

Long term responses of Mount Mayon

Learning centres temporarily set up to educate children - Saturday classes to compensate for lost learning