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Building remnant in Francisco Leon destroyed by pyroclastic surges ...

Detailed Description

Eruption of El Chichon volcano in southeastern Mexico occurred between March 29 and April 4, 1982. Francisco Leon was located about 5 km SSE of the volcano.

Several pyroclastic surges swept down all sides of the volcano, reaching as far as 2 to 8 km from the volcano; pyroclastic flows represent only about 30 percent of the total combined mass of surges and flows. In addition to Francisco Leon, eight other villages were destroyed, claiming the lives of up to 2,000 people.