Fears volcanic lake may burst banks in
the Philippines
ABCOnline 6/8/2001
Scientists in the Philippines are warning a huge volcanic lake may overflow putting tens
of thousands of people in danger.
The BBC reports geological surveys of Mount Pinatubo commissioned by aid agency Oxfam show
the lake and its crater could spill out before the end of the year.
Pinatubo's last eruption, 10 years ago, was one of the more violent ones of the 20th
century.
But it is not an eruption that threatens the Philippines now.
About 250 million cubic metres of water has collected in the volcano's craters since the
last eruption.
The water level is now nearing the rim of the crater and if the heavy rain continues,
geologists are warning a wave of water and volcanic rock could flood the towns and
villages below.
END OF REPORT
|
|
