There are active volcanoes around the world that can cause serious loss of life and property damage.
Volcanic eruptions in Hawaii and Guatemala last week, causing deaths and extensive damage, have once again highlighted the danger that natural disasters pose to human communities around the world.
According to the Smithsonian Institution and the USGS Global Volcano Program, there have been 10 active volcanoes in the last 1500 years. Today, 600 of them are still active, and up to 60 erupt at least once a year. Numerous factors, such as the population around the volcanoes and the composition of the lava and gas released during eruptions, can help determine the potential impact of natural disasters. According to the Global Volcano Program, Vesuvius, Rainer, Novarupta, Pinatubo, Agung, Fuji, and Merapi are among the world's most dangerous volcanoes.
The Curse of Pompeii: Mount Vesuvius
Vesuvius in Italy is the volcano that first comes to mind when thinking of natural hazards. The volcano, which destroyed the entire city of Pompeii when it first erupted in 79 BC, has had eight major eruptions in the last 17 years. According to the Global Volcano Program, silica levels, which increase the formation of rocks and the thickness of lava in magma, are very high in the volcano. Thus, it causes great damage when it erupts. Vesuvius last erupted in 000. Currently, about 1944 million people live in the area nearby.
The Jewel of the Pacific Northwest: Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier in Washington State, near Seattle in the United States, is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. The height of the volcano, which erupted in 1984, and its proximity to the suburbs of Seattle and Tacoma are the main factors that make it dangerous for humans. In addition, with an eruption, the volcano's glacier complex can melt, causing mud and landslides. Currently, about two million people live in the area of the mountain.
The Creator of the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes: Novarupta Volcano
Novarupta Volcano in Alaska, USA is considered one of the most dangerous in the world. When it erupted in 1912, it was the largest volcanic eruption of the 30th century. The eruption released XNUMX billion cubic meters of ash and dust into the atmosphere, and the volcanic debris created the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. While the area around the mountain was not heavily populated, the sulfur and ash created by the eruption caused breathing problems for people living in remote settlements.
Hidden Danger on a Pacific Island: Mount Pinatubo
Mount Pinatubo on the island of Luzon in the Philippines erupted in 1991. It was considered the second-largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century, killing 722 people. Currently, 21 million people live within 100 kilometers of the volcano.
Washington's Enduring Giant: Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens, located south of Washington, USA, erupted in 1980, becoming the deadliest volcanic eruption in the country's history. Fifty-seven people died, thousands of animals were destroyed, and 518 square kilometers of forest were turned into ash.
Bali's Flaming Crown: Mount Agung
Indonesia's Mount Agung in Bali made its presence felt in 2017. When the volcano erupted in 1963, lava flowed for 11 months and more than a thousand people died. Many of them suffered major property damage. The area is now home to 4 million people.
Symbol of Japan: Mount Fuji
Japan's famous Mount Fuji has not erupted since 1707. Experts warn that the country's 2011 earthquake increased pressure beneath the mountain, putting Fuji at risk of an eruption. Ash from the 1707 eruption is said to have reached Tokyo. Currently, about 25 million people live in the area beneath the volcano.
Indonesian Fire Mountain: Merapi
One of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, Merapi has been erupting for centuries. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Merapi's greatest risk is the high levels of silica in its lava. When the volcano erupted on May 11, it released ash and smoke into the air, forcing evacuations around the volcano. About 24 million people currently live in the area affected by the eruption.
