what should you do during a volcano eruption, and how dangerous is climbing an active volcano?
In which countries do volcanic eruptions occur?
- Most volcanoes lie on fault lines where tectonic plates meet. These areas with active volcanoes are usually also places with an increased risk of earthquakes
- The other volcanoes are located in so-called 'hotspots'; this type of volcano can for example be found in Iceland, Hawaii, Ethiopia and Reunion.
- The largest numbers of active volcanoes are found in Indonesia, Japan, Papua New Guinea, the east coast of the US, Ecuador and Chile.
- Active volcanoes attract many visitors every year who want to see, feel and smell, sometimes up close, what a volcano actually is. Popular volcanoes to visit include: Kīlauea (Hawaii), Etna (Italy), Merapi (Indonesia), Villarica (Chile), Cotopaxi (Ecuador), Volcán de Fuego (Guatemala) and Aso (Japan)
How can you prepare for a possible volcanic eruption?
- Volcanic eruptions, especially large ones, can now be predicted quite well by volcanologists
- The dangers and frequency of eruptions vary by volcano type, year and location
- The authorities involved usually have extensive evacuation plans in place and also a warning system for residents
- When you visit an area with an active volcano, you can obtain information locally about these plans and systems
What are the dangers of a volcanic eruption?
There are major differences between one volcanic eruption and another. Although lava can look spectacular, it is certainly not the biggest danger during an eruption
- Flying, red-hot rocks and steam: Small eruptions can sometimes eject red-hot material and steam from the crater at high speed. These types of explosions are especially dangerous if you are on the volcano itself.
- Lava flows: The speed of a lava flow can vary between extremely slow and as much as 150 km/h. The hotter the lava, the faster it flows, but there are also various geological aspects that determine whether the lava from a particular volcano will flow quickly or less quickly
- Pyroclastic flow: when an eruption column collapses during an eruption, a devastating pyroclastic flow or 'flare cloud' is created. In fact, the plume of hot ash and rocks rolls down like an avalanche at up to 90 mph. This current is hotter than 100 degrees and destroys everything in its path.
- Lahar: A lahar is a mudflow of volcanic material, especially volcanic ash. Lahars are formed when ash and pumice stone, from the volcanic eruption, mixes with rainwater or meltwater. A lahar does not necessarily form on a volcano, if enough ash lands on, for example, a distant mountain, a lahar can also form there due to the weight of the ash.
- Ash rain: All the ash, grit and stones that are shot into the air in a large plume during an eruption, come down again at a certain point, this phenomenon is called an ash rain. The greater the amount of ash, the more nuisance it causes, such as impassable roads and roof collapses.
- Tsunamis: Some of the volcanoes on the coast or in the sea can cause a tsunami during an eruption.
What can you do if you are caught in a volcanic eruption?
- Because (large) volcanic eruptions are fairly predictable, it is especially important to follow instructions from local authorities when an eruption is imminent or has occurred.
- When you are on a volcano during an eruption, there is really little you can do. Try to get away from the volcano as some volcanoes can erupt several times in a row
- Volcano dust will fall in the wider area around the eruption, cover your mouth and nose to protect your lungs.
- Also try to protect your eyes as much as possible against the sharp ash particles.
Are you insured for the consequences of a volcanic eruption?
- Climbing a volcano under the supervision of professional guides will often be covered by your travel insurance.
- Travel insurance generally does not provide cover if negative travel advice is in force. Only specialized travel insurance for long or special stays abroad can provide a solution here.
- In the event of an unforeseen volcanic eruption, you are generally insured
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