Volcanic eruptions often take place and bring devastating consequences, leading to concerns. Volcanic eruptions — natural phenomena that occur when there is a sudden release of magma, gas and other materials from a volcano — have significant impacts on the environment and human populations. The eruptions of Mount Vesuvius in Italy in 79 AD, Mount St. Helens in the United States in 1980 and Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991 are some notable volcanic eruptions in the world. According to multiple sources including the BBC and CNN, the latest volcanic eruption is taking place in Iceland. Volcanic ash, which covers vast areas, often causes deaths, disrupts transportation systems, damages crops, causes water contamination and brings many adverse health outcomes.
It is notable that the effects of volcanic eruptions are less at present than in the past in the world. This is mainly because of the advancements in technology and increased understanding of volcanic processes. With the development of sophisticated monitoring systems, it is now possible to detect volcanic activity earlier and issue timely warnings to at-risk populations, allowing them to evacuate and seek safety in a timely manner. Improved communication networks also allow for effective evacuation plans and coordination of emergency response efforts, minimizing the impact on human lives and infrastructure. Among others, governments often allocate funds for post-eruption recovery efforts, including rebuilding infrastructure and providing financial assistance to affected individuals and businesses, which help reduce impacts on affected communities.
But the harmful impacts of volcanic eruptions are not as minimized as possible many times in the world. This is because there are diverse flaws in the efforts made in many countries. A lack of preparedness and inadequate infrastructure to handle such natural disasters are crucial limitations. Importantly, there are insufficient resources for early warning systems, evacuation plans and emergency response teams in different countries. Some governments also prioritize short-term economic interests over long-term safety measures, leading to inadequate funding for volcanic hazard research and monitoring. Among countries, developing and less developed countries often struggle to allocate sufficient funds for early warning systems and evacuation plans, making it harder to respond effectively to volcanic eruptions.
There is also a lack of coordination and communication between different government agencies, leading to delays and inefficiencies in impact-mitigating efforts. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, according to multiple newspapers, accurately predicted the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991, but there was a failure to effectively communicate with relevant government agencies, leading to increased casualties and damage to infrastructure. Additionally, geographical constraints often put hindrances to mitigating efforts — even if there is an increased allocation of funds — in different countries. But countries with mountainous terrain or remote volcanic islands face logistical difficulties in accessing affected areas. Among others, post-volcanic recovery efforts are also less in different countries.
It is desired that efforts be made effective in mitigating the harmful effects of volcanic eruptions. For this, investing in advanced monitoring technologies, ensuring effective communication channels, implementing early warning systems to alert residents of impending eruptions, establishing effective evacuation plans in a timely manner and providing shelters for affected communities are definitely crucial steps. But developing comprehensive emergency response plans that are tailored to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of countries including the Philippines and Indonesia that experience more volcanic eruptions, is imperative for effectively mitigating harmful impacts. Strengthening infrastructure resilience is also essential for minimizing destructive impacts in many countries.
Governments need to put emphasis on investing in a better understanding of volcanic activity in different countries — needed for improving the capability of timely prediction. Increased collaboration with international organizations and neighboring countries is vital for many countries to better understand volcanic risks, exchange best practices in impact mitigation strategies, share resources and expertise in managing volcanic hazards or provide mutual support during emergencies. Among others, post-volcanic recovery efforts including providing financial assistance for those impacted by volcanic eruptions are also crucial to reduce harmful effects on communities and people.
