The volcano Mayon (Mayon) is today an important tourist destination in Philippines· Indeed, for many residents of the country surpasses its fuji beauty Japan. Although it is considered active, it is usually maintained in peace, except for some slight occasional soil vibrations and the existence of hot springs around it.
Although its earlier explosions are mentioned – in July 1766, for example, the explosion lasted 6 days – the explosion that occurred in the second decade of the 19th century was to be the most devastating and deadly: started on the morning of February 1, 1814 and 1814 More than 1,200 people lost their lives.
A torrent of fire, lava and large hot rocks began to descend to the southern slopes of the volcano, destroying what he found in his way.
The previous day, a number of seismic vibrations were felt locally, the frequency of which gradually increased until the time of the explosion. Small quantities of ash appeared for the first time at 6:30 in the morning, and about two hours later began the launch of ashes and rocks, which in many sources of the 19th century was described as “large jars”. A torrent of fire, lava and large hot rocks began to descend to the southern slopes of the volcano, destroying what he found in his way. Rocks were launched to the island of San Miguel, which is 18 km away from the crater, while the pumice, which “grew up like chicken eggs”, reportedly reached Ginobatan. The launch of large bulky rocks and ash continued at least until 1:30 pm. The ash clouds were so dense that they caused darkness to Manila and south to Laang, in Samar. But the sound of the explosions was heard to these areas – probably even further.
Due to the severe explosions, the lip of the crater lowered about 40 meters, while losing its shape on the south side. The appearance of lava near the crater, the seismic vibrations and the launch of ash and incandescent materials – to much less, of course, continued for at least two weeks after the main explosion. The heavy rains created in the clouds of the explosion also contributed to the complete destruction.
Apart from the dead, there were many serious injuries.
As a result of this great explosion, the villages of Kasag Bubulusan Bubulusan and Boudiao were buried at a depth of about 10-12 meters. At the same time, large sections of Ligao, Ginobatan, Limpog, Tambako and Tio reported that they were “burned and destroyed”. The case of the city of Kangsaua, from which only the tops of the roofs of the buildings protrude. A particularly sad incident happened when the priest of the city church ordered the bells to ring to warn the locals of the explosion. Hundreds of people fled to the church, but they were trapped.
However, except for the dead, there were many serious injuries. But those who managed to rescue had lost all their possessions. The most fertile and beautiful neighborhoods of the wider area had now changed radically.
Column: Myrto Katsigera, Vassilis Minakakis, Antigoni-Despina Poumenidou, Athanasios Syroplakis
