VOLCA

NO
HAZAR
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The Philippines is said to be of volcanic origin creating an archipelago of
more than 7100 islands. There are hundreds of volcanoes in the
Philippines. The list of active and inactive volcanoes in the Philippines is
prepared by The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and
the Department of Science and Technology.

Hereunder are the names of active volcanoes in the Philippines:

Name of Volcano Location

1. Babuyan Claro Cagayan

2. Banahaw Laguna, Quezon

3. Biliran Biliran Island

4. Buddajo Sulu
 5. Bulusan Sorsogon

6. Cagua Cagayan

7. Cabalian Southern Leyte

8. Camiguin de Babuyanes Cagayan

9. Didicas Cagayan (Babuyan

Island)
10. Hibok-hibok Camiguin

11. Iraya Batanes

12. Iriga Camarines Sur

13. Kanlaon Negros Oriental

14. Leonard Kniaseff Davao Del Norte

15. Makaturing Lanao Del Sur

16. Matutum Cotabato

17. Mayon Albay

18. Musuan Bukidnon

19. Parker Cotabato

20. Pinatubo Boundaries of

Pampanga, Tarlac, and
Zambales
 21. Ragang Cotabato

22. Smith Cagayan (Babuyan

Island)
23. Taal Batangas

To conclude whether or not a volcano has a tendency to erupt, it is important to

determine the different classifications of volcanoes. PHIVOLCS classified
volcanoes as follows:

1.) Active volcanoes

• Erupted within historical times (within the last 600 years)
• Records of these eruptions were known by man.
• Based on analyses of datable materials these are volcanoes which erupted
within the last 10.000 years.
2.) Potentially active volcanoes
• Young-looking
• No historical records of eruption.

3.) Inactive volcanoes

• No record of eruptions.
• Physical form is being changed by movement of sediments and rocks.

Mount Mayon, Mount Pinatubo and the Taal Volcano are the most famous
volcanoes in the Philippines. Of these three volcanoes, the most
recognized is Mt. Mayon due to its feature as a perfect stratovolcano or
a perfect cone-shape volcano.
In the history of volcanic eruption in the Philippines, the most recent eruption with
devastating effect is the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo on June 1991. It was
characterized as the 2nd largest eruption of the 20th century. The eruption
resulted to the death of hundreds (estimated at 800) of people and thousands
(estimated at 100,000) became homeless.

With the history of the Philippines as regards volcanic eruption and the danger it
brings, it is therefore important to determine the signs of impending volcanic
eruption and the hazards it may cause to the people.

Lesson 1: Signs of Impending Volcanic Eruptions

A volcano which is about to erupt has several warning signs. These

warning signs may be used to monitor as to the possibility of its eruption. Close
monitoring is important to determine when a volcano may erupt. Monitoring may
be conducted through some scientific process or the used of traditional methods
employed by our ascendants. Here are some of the methods used in determining
an impending volcanic eruptions.
1. By seismicity
• Seismicity is the tremor felt near areas of active
volcanoes.
• Frequent and prolonged seismicity maybe signs of
impending volcanic eruption.
• Seismicity is measured with the use of
seismometer.
• The movement of magma and volcanic gas upward
while passing through a narrow passage produces
the seismicity.
• Investigating the result of seismic data for a certain
period concludes whether the tremor is unusual due
to the move- ment of magma towards the surface.
2. The study of ground deformation.
 This is one of the traditional methods used by
people living near volcanoes. People considered that
changes in the surface of volcano is brought by
some changes that happens underneath it.
 In ground deformation, some parts of the ground tilt
or the slope changes.
 Ground deformation occur before, during and after
volcanic eruption.
3. Monitor gases that come out of fumaroles
 The most noticeable sign of impending volcanic
eruption is the emission of gases from its fumaroles.
 The intensity of heat of gasses coming from the
fumaroles is closely monitored to determine the sign
whether magma has moved closer to the surface.
 Monitoring the composition of the gases and its
changes in the composition are conducted by
experts.
4. Observing the visible changes to fumarole areas
● According to volcanologists, a volcano which has the
potential to erupt is observed to have changes in
the size of smoke or magma volatiles in the
atmosphere
● the plants nearby also die suddenly.
● Change in the color of any lakes or ponds near the
volcano. For example, the Kelimutu volcano in
Central Flores Foronesia produce visible changes on
the color of the lake from blue and dark green to
intense red depending on the behavior of the
volcano.
5. Satellite based monitoring
● This is done through obtaining thermal images of
volcanic areas.
● In the Philippines, satellite based monitoring is the
responsibility of the Philippine Institute of
Volcanology and Seismology.
Other warning signs of an impending volcanic eruption is also given by the Philippine
Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. These are the following:

1. Volcanic quakes suddenly increased in frequency

2. Increase in volcanic tremors
3. Increase steaming activity
4. Change in color of steam emission
5. Crater glows
6. Localized landslides and rockfalls due to volcanic tremors
7. Vegetation around the volcano's upper slopes dries.
8. Temperature of hot springs and wells near the volcano suddenly increase
9. Changes in the chemical content of springs located on the crater or near the volcano
10. Drying up of springs and wells around the volcano
11. Appearance of solfataras. Solfatara is a volcanic area or vent that yields only hot
vapors and sulfurous gases.
Lesson 2: Volcano Related Hazards

Volcanoes are interesting geophysical formations on earth. Some are even

tourist attractions like the Mt. Mayon in Albay and the Mt. Pinatubo in the boundary
of Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales. Though very captivating as they may seem,
volcanoes may also pose threat to life and properties especially the active and the
potentially active ones which has the tendency to erupt. When volcanoes erupt,
they produce several hazards which is dangerous to anything and anyone affected
by it. Some of the hazards brought by an erupting volcano includes lahar, ash fall,
pyroclastic density currents, toxic volcanic gasses and lava flows.

The hazards posed by volcanic eruption are listed by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology
and Seismology as follows:
1. Lahar
Lahar is a name from Indonesia. It is sometimes called mudflows or volcanic debris
flows characterized by the flowing mixtures of volcanic debris and water.

Lahars are mudflows which compose of volcanic re- mains like rocks, lava and ashes.

Classifications of Lahar:

1. Primary lahar
• this is also known as hot lahar
• This kind of lahar is related directly with volcanic eruption

2. Secondary
• this is also called cold lahar
• this kind of lahar is caused by heavy rainfall.
Lahar is a kind of volcanic hazard. It is responsible in dis- tributing volcanic
ashes and debris. Those volcanic ashes and debris which had reached a
particular destination may be redistributed again by lahar.

How lahar is produced?

According to PHIVOLCS, lahar is produce through the following:

1. When the crater lake was drained crater lake may be drained causing lahar
or mudflow due to the following:
a. intense eruption
b. ruin crater fall

2. Movement of a pyroclastic flow into a river or lake, displacing and mixing

with water.
3. Fall of water-sustained rock debris due to heavy rains.
4. Heavy rainfall on loose volcanic deposits on the hill of a volcano (e.g.
Pinatubo).
5. Failure of a temporary dam to hold the mass of volcanic debris.
Situations Leading to the Formation of Lahar

1. Collapsing of slope and mixed with accumulated water going down from a volcano.
2. In cold countries, melting of snow and ice during volcanic eruption leads to the
formation of lahar.
3. Heavy rainfall on loose volcanic debris may result to secondary or cold lahar.
4. When a volcano erupts through a crater lake.
5. When a volcano wall collapse leading to the overflow of crater lake.

Characteristics of Lahar

1. Lahars moves like liquids having a consistency of a wet cement because they contain
volcanic debris.
2. They flow downhill.
3. They follow the paths of waters and valleys.
4 . Lahar can spread out upon if they reach an even area. 5. Lahars can travel at speeds
of over 80 kph (50 mph).
6. Lahars can reach distances dozens of miles from their source.
7. Lahar has the capability to retain enough heat to still be 60-70°C (140-160°F) when
they come to rest. This is possible if they were generated by a volcanic eruption.
Destructive Effects of Lahar

Lahars are very damaging. Although they are not as fast or hot as other volcanic hazards,
they pose great damage and ruined to anything they pass unto.

1. Lahars bury anything in their path. Their deposits on farm lands, roads and houses take
time to be removed.
2. Lahars swept away everything that cannot get out of its path.

Picture above shows lahar flows from Mt. Pinatubo in the mountain range of Zambales.
The volcano erupted in June 15, 1991 which is considered as one of the worst disasters
through a volcanic eruption in the world.
Mitigating the Effects of Lahar

1. Evacuate immediately when warning has been

issued by competent authorities.

2. Directing the flow of lahar away from buildings

and people may be done to mitigate its effects.

3. Never establish housing, commercial buildings

and others on areas which may be potential path
of lahars.
2. Lava flow

● Lava is molten rock with highly elongated mass that flows out of a volcano.
● the rate of lava flow is estimated at 3km/day in case the lava is slightly high
viscosity or 45 km/hour in case the lava is low in viscosity
● Subject on its structure and hotness, lava can be very watery or very sticky.
● Lava which is high in viscosity are not as hot as those with low viscosity
● Lava with high viscosity moves into a shorter distance
● Lava which is watery are hotter
● Lava with low viscosity or watery move faster than those with high viscosity
● Lava in fluid structure can form creeks or rivers
● Unlike lahar, lava flow cannot be diverted. However, they don't move faster,
thus it can be easily avoided.
● Lava flows are tremendously hot.
● Lava flows has a temperature ranging between 1,000- 2,000°C.
● Due to its very high temperature, lava flows can cause life-threatening
burns to persons and damage to vegetation and structures.
3. Tephra Fall and Ballistic Projectile
What is tephra?

• Tephra fall is also called "pyroclastic material.“

• It contains pyroclastic remains of different mass from different sources.
• Tephra falls may consist of volcanic rocks, lava, stones or crystals
or combination of the four.
• Tephra is measure at less than 2 mm diameter for ashes. 2-64 mm diameter in
lapilli. Lapili is the size classification term for tephra.
• Tephra has different densities from that of volcanic rocks (<0.5)) to
hard fragments of lava with mass about 3.0.
The Dangerous Effects of Ash Falls and Ballistic Projectile

Tephra fall and ballistic projectiles are hazardous to life and property as it may:

(1) Produce injury or even death upon impact of falling fragments.

(2) Damaged agricultural lands by covering the fertile soil with its particles.

(3) Block vents of motor vehicles, industrial machines or may enter and obstructs lungs
of humans or animals

(4) Produce negative effects to health of humans and animals due to its noxious gases
and acids

(5) Ruin roofs of houses, buildings,

(6) break power and communication lines and

(6) Damage or even kill vegetation.

(7) Result to flooding when drainage are filled with tephra falls.

(8) Block sunlight thus reducing the amount of light that is needed by plants and fishes.
Mitigating the Effects of Tephra Falls

Before the onset of tephra falls, proper planning and preparation may be conducted in der to mitigate its
effects to plants, animals and structures. The following may be included:

1. Roofs and walls should be made stronger.

2. All machineries should be equipped with filters. 3. Store cleaning materials for vents and drainage.
4. Evacuate when necessary.
5. Harvest agricultural products which may be affected by tephra falls.

4. Pyroclastic flow

Pyroclastic flow is another type of hazard posed by an erupting volcano. It consists of hot dry masses of
broken volcanic materials that moves from the volcano crater going down through the slope until it reaches
the ground. This includes:
1. Pumice flow
2. Ash flow
3. Block-and-ash flow
4. Nuee ardente
-Nuée ardente is a French word. It literally means, "glowing cloud".

• This is an extremely damaging, speeding, and glowing mass of gas-enveloped

particles that comes out from a volcanic eruption.

5. glowing avalanche.
- A glowing avalanche is a gas rich suspension of one of the following-

a. Incandescent blocks, lapilli, ash and dust

b. Debris from a disintegrating lava dome or spine.
c. A pyroclastic flow which travels down depressions in the topography.
Effects of pyroclastic flows

1. Pyroclastic flows may result to death to humans and animals due to the following:
a. Asphyxiation
b. Burial
c. incineration and
d. Crushing from impacts.

2. Pyroclastic flows may collapse buildings, structures and houses.

3. The flows may also damage agricultural products as it may washed away plants and animals
and cover the entire agricultural lots with the flows.

Before the eruption, it is safer to evacuate the area if it may be affected by pyroclastic flow. This
is the single effective way of mitigating the effects of this hazard.
5. Volcanic gasses

• Volcanic gasses is another type of hazard posed by volcanic eruption.

• It is one of the primary composition of a magma or lava.
• Active and inactive volcanoes may discharge to the atmosphere gases in the form of:
a. water vapor (H2O)
b. Helium (He)
c. hydrogen sulfide (H2S
d. sulfur dioxide (SO2)
e. carbon monoxide (CO2)
f. hydrogen chloride (HCI) and
g. Hydrogen fluoride (HF).

Nitrogen, methane, argon and helium may be also present in volcanic gases. The proportion of
these components present depends upon the atmospheric temperature.

Volcanic gases is one of the most deadly effects of volcanic eruption because these are
hazards which are not visible to the naked eye.
Carbon dioxide
• This may cause death to people and animals due to asphyxia.
• Carbon dioxide deposited in the bottom of bodies of water can form huge bubbles. Too
much supply of this gas may also kill vegetation and livestock.

Sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide

• These gases have the smell of rotten eggs or acid.
• Combination of these gases with water vapor may result to corrosive acid which is
dangerous to the health of both humans and animals.
• These gasses may also reach the upper atmosphere and block sunlight and interfere with
ozone. The blockings of sunlight will have short and long-term effects on the environment.

Fluorine Gas
• This gas is extremely poisonous.
• This gas is very corrosive and poisonous especially when it is mixed with acid.
• This gas can cause internal burns.
• It can also attack calcium in the skeletal system.
• This gas may poisoned plants, people and animals when it is absorbed after volcanic
eruption.
III. Safety Measures Before, During and After Volcanic Eruption

Volcanic eruptions, unlike earthquake, landslides and thunderstorms have early warning signs.
Some of which 88 previously discussed may be traditional or through scientific methods. These
warning signs may help the people who may be affected by the impending eruptions to execute
precautionary measures.

When government authorities already issue warning signs. people must immediately take
precautionary measures.

Here are precautionary measures before volcanic eruptions:

1. The first thing that people should do is to accept the fact that volcanic eruptions pose hazard
to lives and properties Thus, people must be prepared to face the surrounding effects of that
the eruption may bring
2. Always be prepared with the emergency kit, foods, water, clothing and others in case of
evacuation.

3. Always obey safety rules or orders from the government.

4. Prepare masks in case of tephra falls. In the absence of gas mask, use anything to cover
nose and mouths to reduce the risk of sniffing poisonous volcanic gasses.

5. Ensure safety of kids, pregnant women, differently-abled persons and elderly as they are
less capable in saving themselves.

6. Drive your vehicle to evacuate faster. Keep windows and doors closed to prevent ash falls
and other poisonous gasses from entering the vehicle
Here are precautionary measures during volcanic eruptions:

1. Go to high grounds to avoid lava flows and mudflows. 2. When outside, seek cover in case
of ash falls rock falls.

3. Use masks or cloth to cover your mouth and nose to avoid breathing in ashes.

4. All doors and windows in the house or evacuation site must be close to avoid ashes from
getting inside.

5. When your residence is not at risk to mudflows, lava flows or lahar, the family may be
advised to stay indoors.

6. Proceed to identified safe zones or evacuation center until further instructions is issued by
competent authorities. Do not attempt to leave the place unless told to do.
7. Be more watchful to kids as their curiosity may push them to go outside the home or
evacuation site to see the erupting volcano or its effects.

8. When inside the house, turn off air-condition equipment and do not use electric fans as it
may dispense noxious gasses in the home.

Here are precautionary measures after volcanic eruptions:

1. Family heads may go back to their respective houses to check properties ties behind. But
leave the kids with someone who could take care of them. There may be unseen events which
may pose threat to children.

2. Check all damages incurred by your properties and report it to authorities concerned.
3. You may start cleaning the house and surroundings. Use masks or cloth while cleaning ash
and other debris.

4. Always be alert to announcement from the local or national government.

5. Ensure the safety of the house and all structure therein before returning.

6. Persons knowledgeable in first aid may also assist in providing immediate medical care and
attendance when needed.

Ways in Preparing for a Volcano Emergency

• Be aware with the available emergency plans in your barangay.

• Always be prepared for the hazards that can accompany volcanoes like tephra falls,
mudflows, landslides, earthquakes or acid rains.
• Prepare for a family evacuation plan. Considering identifying safe zones, safe routes and
backup routes.
• Consider an emergency communication plan include cases when cellular phone network
systems are down or when telephone lines are not functioning.
• List names of relatives and friends who may assist in case of emergency.
• Establish contact with the local emergency units or public safety officers.
 THAT’S
ALL
THANKYO
Reported by:
Quijada, Lovely S.

U!
Rimando, Alexandra A.
Rodriguez, Irish Nicole L.