A Volcanic eruption is among the most fatal and destructive disasters that occurs all across the world. They can occur naturally or be evoked due to various human activities. There are different type of eruptions like steam generated eruptions, eruption of the silicon lava, emission of carbon dioxide and many more. What’s common with each of them is that all of these pose great threat to humans. They not only result in loss of human lives but also cause severe damage to property as well.
Today there are many active volcano sites spread across the globe that can cause grave loss to humans and environment. Most of these can be found in countries like Italy, Japan, Indonesia and others. A few of these active sites have been erupting for several decades. There are some exceptions as well like the Mt. Etna and Stromboli in Italy that have been erupting for over thousands of years. Such volcanic eruption sites are generally unfit for human habitation as they render both land and air unfit for use.
Active Volcano Sites Around the World
There are numerous active sites in different parts of the world. An active site can be classified as an erupting or a warning site. Indonesia, South America and Pacific Oceans have the maximum number of active sites. The most famous among these include Stromboli and Etna in Italy, Kilauea in Hawaii, Yasur in Tanna Islands, Langila in Papua New Guinea and Semeru, Sinabung and Dukono in Indonesia. All of the above mentioned sites are continuously erupting sites and have no human interference as such.
Villarrica in Chile, Sangay in Ecuador, Sakurajima in Japan and Piton de la fournaise in La Reunion are other such sites that have high erupting activities throughout the year. In places like Iceland, Antarctica, Alaska and North America there are several sites that undergo minor eruptions on a periodic basis. Such sites cause minor to moderate disturbances in their vicinity and need continuous monitoring to avoid catastrophic results.
Staying Safe During Eruptions
In order to remain safe during a volcanic eruption, there are some safety tips and measures you must adopt before during and after the eruption occurs. The most obvious choice to evade damage and loss due to volcanic eruptions is to stay away from such sites. But in case you happen to stay near any volcanic site then there are a set of rules that you need to adhere to so that you can safely avoid the aftermath of eruptions.
Preparation Before Eruptions
Before the eruption of volcanic lava in active volcano sites, residents and inhabitants living close to these sites must get prepared and adopt some pre-eruption strategies in order to remain safe. Since a volcanic eruption can be rapid and spontaneous, it is important that these pre-eruption measures be taken so as to avoid fatalities.
- At places where eruptions occur, the government or the community has a fixed system to alert and warn people living in that area. Use of loud sirens and local radio broadcasting are the most common ways to inform people about volcanic activities.
- In case you don’t actually live in such an area and just happen to pass by, it is important that you do not panic and quickly reach out to a local or a community office for help.
- Volcanic eruption sites have an emergency map that locates safe places in the area and explain exit routes in detail. Make sure you own a copy of the same and understand the important locations in the map.
- Make a plan with your family as to what should each member do as soon as the siren hits off. This will help you avoid confusion and face the emergency with utmost preparation.
- It will be a good idea to prepare a checklist so that you do not forget anything important in the heat of the moment.
- Keep your emergency kit ready with first aid tools, blankets and other necessary articles. Also keep masks and goggles in it to avoid chemicals and gases.
Safety Tips You Must Adopt During a Volcanic Eruption
- Run indoors and switch on the radio as soon as you hear the siren. Follow all the instructions as voiced by experts on the radio.
- Evacuate the place only if you are asked to do so. Many times people don’t heed to warnings and face loss because of their own ignorance.
- When instructed for evacuation, make sure that you are wearing long sleeves and have your face fully covered to avoid ash and harmful gases.
- Close all the windows and doors on evacuation to hinder the penetration of ashes and debris inside the house.
- Incase there is no shelter nearby then rush towards a higher ground or to a safe location as marked on the safety map.
- Do not run towards rivers or low lying areas. You can get trapped with debris and get in contact with ashes as well.
- Avoid direct contact with poisonous gases and other floating debris to avoid any kind of health and physical hazard.
- Make sure all the members are safe and are following the instructions that are being aired on the radio.
- Receive medical care if required. Do not ignore any burn or injury caused to you and take proper treatment for the same. Medical care is of utmost importance in such areas and there should be no laziness in following the same.
