Philippine volcano sudden eruption kills 5

Mt. Mayon, a volatile volcano in the Philippines, has erupted killing 4 Germans and the Filipino guide who organized the climb.

12:01 07 May 2013

Mt. Mayon, an active volcano in the Philippines known for its almost perfect cone, has suddenly erupted on Tuesday morning killing mountain climbers and their Filipino guide. Among the casualties were four Germans.

There were also seven other climbers who were injured in the eruption, which lasted for just over a minute. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chief Eduardo del Rosario confirmed this information.

Meanwhile, local reports said that there were at least 20 mountain climbers in the scene during the eruption and that casualties died after they were struck by rocks that rained down on them after the ash blast.

Renato Solidum, chief state seismologist, described the eruption as “stream driven explosion” and a “normal process” in any volcano. Residents were not advised to evacuate at this time.