World Map › Major Eruptions › El Chichón 1982
Historic Eruption
March 1982 Eruption of El Chichón
29 March 1982 · Lava dome · Mexico
On 29 March 1982, El Chichón in Mexico erupted. The volcano rises to 1,150 m. Its Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) is 5 out of 8, that of a paroxysmal eruption ejecting more than 1 km³ of material. It killed at least 1,879 people and left 1,755 missing. Most deaths were caused by pyroclastic flows, ash and tephra fall, lahars (volcanic mudflows) and earthquakes. It is the 26th deadliest eruption recorded by NOAA. Damage is estimated at 3.3 million US dollars at the time. It is associated with a magnitude 3.5 earthquake.
- Date
- 29 March 1982
- Volcano
- El Chichón
- Volcano Type
- Lava dome
- Elevation
- 1,150 m
- Country
- Mexico
- Explosivity Index (VEI)
- 5 out of 8
- Deaths
- 1,879
- Missing
- 1,755
- Estimated Damage
- 3.3 million US dollars
- Main Causes of Death
- Pyroclastic Flows, Ash and Tephra, Lahars, Earthquakes
- Associated Earthquake
- M 3.5
Other Significant Eruptions of El Chichón
- 1982May 1982 Eruption · VEI 51 death
- 1982April 1982 Eruption · VEI 5 · Pyroclastic Flows33 deaths
- 13751375 Eruption · VEI 5 · Lahars
Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database (doi:10.7289/V5JW8BSH) · Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program