Many of us are able to avoid feeling uneasy or concerned about volcanic threats in our communities. But for some, volcanoes pose a very active–sometimes lurking or unknown–threat to their daily lives and safety. Often recognized for their awe-inspiring power, volcanoes are some of nature’s most spectacular phenomena. But what exactly is happening beneath what we see on the surface, and how can we come together to ensure that vulnerable communities can prioritize and practice comprehensive disaster safety if they erupt?
Understanding Volcanoes and Eruptions on a Deeper Level
At their core, volcanoes are openings in the Earth’s crust that allow molten rock, ash, and gases to escape from below the surface. A combination of intense heat and pressure forms chambers beneath the crust, allowing magma to accumulate. Eventually, the pressure beneath the surface increases enough to seek a path to the surface, resulting in an eruption.
While there are several forms of volcanoes–from stratovolcanoes like Mount Fuji in Japan to broad shield volcanoes like Mauna Loa in Hawaii–they can all pose significant threats to nearby communities. For instance, the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, one of the most important volcanic eruptions of the 20th century, caused widespread destruction and displaced thousands of people. Eruptions are some of the most geologically substantial events globally, and their effects ripple well beyond the immediate vicinity. Lava, ash clouds, and volcanic gases–including sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide–pose significant health and destructive hazards to neighboring areas, while acid rain can cause more widespread damage.
Paying close attention to the causes and effects of volcanic eruptions, like shifting tectonic plates or weaknesses in the earth’s crust, allows us to develop more effective preparedness and response plans.
Nations at Risk: Identifying Vulnerable Regions
You’re probably already familiar with several of the nations that bravely face the brunt of volcanic threats. Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, faces looming threats from several active volcanoes, including Mount Merapi and Mount Agung. At the intersection of four tectonic plates, Japan hosts iconic peaks like Mount Fuji. The Philippines, an island nation in the Pacific Ring of Fire, faces the dual hazards of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions–many remember the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo. Italy, home to iconic volcanoes like Mount Vesuvius and Mount Etna, navigates a delicate balance between cultural heritage and geological risk. So while volcanic threats may seem like a distant phenomenon to most, they are a very real concern for some.
Factors Contributing to Vulnerability
Population Density Near Volcanic Zones
Several at-risk nations have high population densities, as communities value locations rich with fertile volcanic soils and scenic landscapes. Unfortunately, this proximity also exposes residents to the direct impacts of eruptions, including pyroclastic flows, a fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter, and lahars, a type of mudflow or debris flow composed of a slurry of pyroclastic material, rocky debris, and water.
Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Preparedness
Disparities and resource limitations may hinder the capacity of at-risk nations to implement effective or high-quality preparedness and response measures. However, with the proper support and commitment, these nations can overcome these challenges and prioritize these concerns whenever possible.
Historical Eruption Patterns and Lessons Learned
We’re big advocates of learning from history. That’s why we emphasize the crucial role that past volcanic eruptions have in shaping present-day preparedness efforts. Studying historical patterns is our collective responsibility as influential organizations, scientists, policymakers, and communities to anticipate future hazards better and refine evacuation plans.
People fleeing the pyroclastic flows and ash settled on cars during the 1991 eruption
How can we bolster preparedness and response plans?
As nations worldwide continue to face volcanic threats, preparedness plans are vital lifelines, providing communities with life-saving tools to minimize risks and navigate crises. In Indonesia, a comprehensive early warning system has been established, which includes monitoring seismic activity, gas emissions, and ground deformation. This system has effectively issued warnings and evacuation orders quickly, saving countless lives.
“Thankfully, the eruption was successfully anticipated, and more than 70,000 people were safely evacuated.” – Revolutionizing Volcano Monitoring in Indonesia, USGS.gov
At Prometheus, we’re constantly exploring key measures like these that can help bolster preparedness and response efforts. We strive to bring the right strategies and tools to the communities that can most benefit from them.
Establishing early warning systems
We recognize early warning systems as essential tools for helping nations detect changes and prepare to respond accordingly. By monitoring the likelihood of eruptions through parameters like seismicity, gas emissions, ground deformation, and thermal anomalies, scientists can issue warnings and evacuation orders in time to save more lives and minimize confusion.
Community preparedness and education
Empowering communities is one of our favorite ways to make an impact in countries with modest disaster planning budgets. By tapping into the creativity and enthusiasm of community organizations, volunteers, and the public, we can work together to build effective, engaging public awareness campaigns. These initiatives can educate about evacuation planning and emergency response, train community members, and enhance a community’s lives by reducing stress about potential disasters on the horizon.
International Collaboration and support
We believe in using the increasingly interconnected nature of this world to our advantage. International collaboration and support are not just beneficial; they are crucial to the worldwide bolstering of natural disaster awareness, preparedness, and response initiatives. By sharing best practices, expertise, findings, and resources, nations can strengthen their collective resilience to volcanic hazards and hazards in general. We’re all neighbors, and it’s time to start acting like it, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility.
From Risk to Resilience: Let’s Meet Volcanic Threats Head-On
It’s clear that navigating the intricacies of life near a volcano requires increasingly robust natural disaster preparedness plans. And while substantial progress has been made in volcanic risk management, we also know that challenges persist. Prometheus is steadfast in our commitment to join forces with nations and their leaders to address these emerging threats and vulnerabilities. We continue to aim to help nations address gaps in their monitoring capabilities, incorporate advanced technology and research, and adapt to evolving volcanic threats in a changing climate. But building this resilience requires a concerted effort from governments, communities, and international partners, and together with these groups, we strive to embrace proactive measures and harness the power of innovation to create a safer future, even in the shadow of volcanoes.
