It remains a ticking time bomb. The Mayon Volcano, located in the Phillipines, has erupted 49 times since the first documented eruption in 1616. And, just prior to Christmas, 2009, the unstable mountain blew its top once again. Lava and volcanic ash spewed from the top, risking life in the immediate area.
To date, 20,000 Philippinos have been evacuated to safer areas. Being away from their homes over the festive season could not have been ideal; however, it is far better to be safe than sorry. The evacuation and death counts may rise further – both tragic for the scenic islands; however, what of the impact to our environment?
We’ve all seen the spectacular pictures of when a volcano erupts. Smoke billows from the top and hot lava oozes down the hillside, like giant black and orange fingers – a magnificent sight from afar; however, extremely dangerous for any living thing nearby. With the intense heat, lava flows burn anything they come in contact with – people, animals and plants alike. Even with escape or survival from lava flows, those living in the immediate area may well have no home to return to as lava can easily torch a building or bury a den.
Volcanic ash poses yet another danger. This volcanic rock often spouts out in very small fragments. With razor-sharp edges and points, these rocks can be immensely destructive – think of flying glass from a broken window, but on a much larger scale.
Finally, an erupting volcano can form a lahar (pronounced LAH – har). Essentially, this is a huge mudflow combining volcanic particles and water. Lahars can race down volcano slopes at highway driving speeds up to 100 km/hr (60 mph) bulldozing everything in their path. Entire towns have been buried.
While aid continues to be offered to the Phillipinos ousted from their own homes, it leaves me wondering … just why would someone choose to live so close to imminent danger? With 49 documented eruptions throughout history, there seems little doubt in my eyes that the Mayon Volcano will, once again, explode.
