what should you do during a volcano eruption, and how dangerous is climbing an active volcano?

In which countries do volcanic eruptions occur?
How can you prepare for a possible volcanic eruption?
What are the dangers of a volcanic eruption?
What can you do if you are caught in a volcanic eruption?
Are you insured for the consequences of a volcanic eruption?

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

In which countries do earthquakes occur frequently?

An earthquake cannot be predicted (well), but in certain countries and areas you are much more likely to experience an earthquake
In Indonesia and Mexico you have more than 2000 every year! earthquakes
In addition to well-known earthquake countries such as Japan and Chile, Guatemala, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Peru are also annually in the top ten of earthquakes per country

How can you prepare for an earthquake?

Check in advance whether your country of residence or residence has an official website with reliable information about natural disasters.
Know the earthquake hazards in the area
Consider the structural integrity of the home
Place furniture and appliances so that they will not fall over if the ground shakes violently
Have an emergency bag/kit for each member of the family
Participate in earthquake drills provided by your employer, educational institution or local government

What to do during an earthquake?

Stay calm, don't panic
Stay indoors if you are already in a structurally sound building or home
If possible, quickly open a door to go outside
Duck under a sturdy desk or table and hold on to it, or protect your head with your arms
Stay away from windows, shelves, cabinets and other heavy objects
Watch out for falling objects. Be alert and keep your eyes open
If you're outside, go to an open space
Stay away from trees, power lines, poles and concrete structures
Move away from steep slopes that could be affected by landslides
If you are close to the coast and feel an earthquake, especially a strong one, quickly move to higher ground to watch for possible tsunamis
If you are in a moving vehicle, stop and get out. Try not to go over bridges, viaducts and viaducts that may be damaged, avoid tunnels

What to do after the earthquake

After the earthquake: take the quickest and safest way out of the building
Do not use elevators, enter damaged buildings, or use telephones unless necessary

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What should you do in a hurricane, typhoon or cyclone, and how dangerous are strong winds?

What should you do in a hurricane, typhoon or cyclone, and how dangerous are strong winds?

What are the travel destinations with the most hurricanes, typhoons and tropical cyclones, and when is the hurricane season?
What should you do before a hurricane, typhoon or tropical cyclone?
What should you do during a hurricane, typhoon or tropical cyclone?
What should you do after the storm struck?
What are cyclones, hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms and typhoons, and what's the difference?

What are the travel destinations with the most hurricanes, typhoons and tropical cyclones, and when is the hurricane season?

Note: storms don't care much about storm seasons, they can occur earlier or later depending on annual climate variations (and accompanying water temperatures). Climate change makes predicting these extreme storms also more difficult

Caribbean: Hurricane season: June 1 - November 30, with most storms forming in September and October. Islands of Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Cuba and Dominican republic are more likely to be struck than Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao
United States (including Hawaii): Hurricane Season: June 1 - November 30
Mexico: Hurricane Season: May 15 - November (East Pacific) or June 1 - November 30 (Atlantic/Caribbean)
Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, China: Typhoon season: Year Round
Philippines: Typhoon season: Year Round, peaking in May to November
Australia: Cyclone season: November to April
Madagascar: Cyclone season: November 15 - April 30, with peak activity in February

Check beforehand whether your country of residence has an official site with reliable information in regards to natural disasters.

are hurricanes, typhoons or cyclones common in your country of living?
in which months is the highest activity of typhoons?
what are the most common areas impacted?

What should you do before a hurricane, typhoon or tropical cyclone?

When booking a visit to a hurricane destination during storm season be aware of the risks, accommodation might be cheap, but it comes with a prize
Inspect your house for possible repairs (esp. roof).
Clean drainage to avoid clogging.
Store supplies; food, water, flashlight, batteries, and medical supplies. Canned goods are ideal for food.
When living in a hazard prone or risk area, you should evacuate as early as possible.
Keep up-to-date with the weather forecast (radio/tv/internet).
When living in a flood prone area, move electric appliances to safe, high-up areas.

What should you do during a hurricane, typhoon or tropical cyclone?

Stay inside and stay calm. Avoid travel.
Keep up-to-date with the weather forecast (radio/TV/internet).
Don't operate electric appliances during flood.
Avoid wading through flooded areas to avoid water-transmitted diseases.
Close the windows and turn off the main power switch.
Avoid the way leading to or along the river.

What should you do after the storm struck?

Keep up-to-date with the weather forecast (radio/tv/internet).
If your house was damaged, make sure that it is already safe and stable when you enter.
Watch out for live wires or outlet immersed in water.
Boil water before drinking it to avoid diseases.
Do not let water accumulate in tires, cans or pots to avoid creating a favorable condition for mosquito breeding that can cause dengue.

What are cyclones, hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms and typhoons, and what's the difference?

Hurricanes, tropical storms and typhoons are forms of a tropical cyclone. They are extreme storms that arise above the sea in tropical areas, and are characterized by rare strong winds, very hard rain and sometimes a lot of damage. They often last several days to sometimes one or two weeks. Tropical cyclones can be up to 1000 km wide, and move depending on local weather conditions
A tropical storm is the weakest form of a cyclone.
The words hurricane, cyclone and typhoon mean the same thing but are used depending on where the storm originates. Above the Atlantic Ocean and the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean in the Northern Hemisphere we speak of hurricanes. Above the western half of the Pacific Ocean in the Northern Hemisphere we speak of a typhoon. Above the Indian Ocean and in the Bay of Bengal we speak of a Cyclone.
A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air at the bottom of a thundercloud. A tornado is no wider than 3 km and lasts less long than a cyclone. This column of air is often visible as a trunk because water vapor condenses into clouds. A tornado also often becomes visible because it causes damage and you therefore see objects, such as sand, leaves and branches, flying through the air.