Pagan, 1981-1985

A major explosive eruption began on 15 May 1981 at Mount Pagan, the larger of the two historically active centres on Pagan Island in the Marianas. Lava flows covered a large part of the island's arable land and part of the airfield runway, and the inhabitants were evacuated to Saipan. Visiting residents reported more vigorous eruptions in late 1981 and early 1982, all of lesser magnitude than the May event.

Eruption start

1981-05-15

Eruption end

1985-05

Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI)

4

Volcano

Pagan

GVP volcano page

volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=284170

Category: Disasters & Incidents

Tags: mariana islands, lava flows, evacuation

Coordinates: 18.13, 145.8

Part of Volcanic eruptions of VEI 4 from 1960 to 1989

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