The Mayon Volcano is situated in the Philippines in the province of Albay. Albay has a thriving population of over one million people and an active Volcano ominously looming over its population. There are three major classifications for volcanoes: active, dormant, and extinct. An active volcano can be defined as a volcano that erupts on a regular basis, as the Mayon Volcano is prone to.
On this day February 1st, in 1814, the Mayon Volcano erupted. The first eruption dated in history was documented by Joris van Spilbergen in February of 1616. The eruption in 1814, however, is considered the deadliest in its history. Many areas were permanently decimated from the eruption, which amassed 30 feet of ash. Approximately 2,200 people perished.
The province of Albay is plagued by the constant fear of the Mayon Volcano’s eruption, as it has erupted many times including 1815, 1897, 1984, 2006, 2008, and 2009. The longest eruption of the volcano took place on June 23rd, 1897 when lava and ash came gushing out for a week straight, submerging the city of Baccay beneath 49 ft. of molten lava. In 2000, the Mayon Volcano was declared a national park.