Four climbers from Germany and a Filipino guide were killed when the volcano suddenly released rocks and steam while they were hiking near the summit on May 7, 2013. They were part of a group of 27 foreign climbers and guides belonging to Bicol Adventure Tour who made the climb that day. Eight others were reported injured.
The explosion is being called a 'phreatic eruption' by PHIVOLCS and apparently happened without warning.
In a Facebook post, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda called for restraint even as many questions are being raised about the protocols in place for allowing tourists and mountaineers up Mayon Volcano. Meanwhile, the tragedy is being described as impossible to predict by government officials considering the nature of the explosion.
The explosion is being called a 'phreatic eruption' by PHIVOLCS and apparently happened without warning.
In a Facebook post, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda called for restraint even as many questions are being raised about the protocols in place for allowing tourists and mountaineers up Mayon Volcano. Meanwhile, the tragedy is being described as impossible to predict by government officials considering the nature of the explosion.