Mount Fako
4.20 N, 9.17 E
summit elevation 4095 m
Stratovolcano
Mount Fako is one of the most active volcanoes in Africa. More than 100 cinder cones lie on the flanks of the Mountain. Earthquake swarms are often associated with eruptions at the volcano.
Mount Fako is currently the only active volcano in a volcanic chain extending from Pagalu Island in the Atlantic Ocean to the volcanic plateaus of Biu in Nigeria and Ngaoundere in Cameroon. The volcano is the largest mountain in West Africa and one of the largest volcanoes in Africa.
The coast to the west of the mountain averages 1000cm of rainfall per year, making it one of the wettest places on earth. Mount Fako features in the folklore of the Bakweri tribe who call it "Mongo ma Loba" (Mountain of Heaven).
Eruptions of Mount Fako Volcano
2001 Lahars
26-27 June 2001 heavy rains on the southern slope of Mount Fako produced mudflows which killed 23 people at Victoria.
2000 Eruption
Mount Fako Volcano erupted on 28th May 2000. The eruption occurred at two locations 3 km apart, on the upper SE slope of the volcano. The first eruption site was located at 04°12'40" N and 09°10'45" E at 4,000 m altitude. The site produced explosions from two craters. The second eruption site was located at 04°11'15" N and 09°10' E at 3,300 m altitude. The site consisted of a fissure which fed two lava ponds, lava flows, and spatter cones. Lava flows reached within 4 km of Buea.
1999 Eruption
On 28th March 1999 an eruption began on the S flank at about 2,650 m elevation. Lava flowed from multiple vents on the south flank.
1982 Eruption
On 16th October 1982 an eruption of Mount Fako began mid-slope, with opening of a fissure 6.5 km SW of the summit.
1959 Eruption
An eruption occurred on the southeastern flank of the volcano. Four craters erupted and three lava flows were emitted. The main lava flow stopped close to the village of Ekona.
1954 Eruption
A small summit eruption occurred at Mount Fako. A small lava flow was emitted at the western base of a crater which had reactivated.
1922 Eruption
Eruptions occurred near the Fako, and on the southeastern flank.
1865 Eruption
Eruption on the summit area.
1852 Eruption
Eruption on the western flank.
1845-46 Eruption
Eruption above Buea (Gbea).
1838-39 Eruption
Eruption near the Fako (summit of Mount Fako).
Mount Fako Volcanic Eruptions:
2000, 1999, 1989, 1982, 1959, 1954, 1925, 1922, 1909, 1871, 1868, 1866, 1865, 1852, 1845-46, 1838-39, 1825, 1807, 1650, 450 BC.
