HAZARDS: Volcanic hazards impacts and responses Flashcards
Give an example of a volcanic hazard in a LIC:
The eruption of Mt Nyiragongo, Congo in January 2002.
Where is Mt Nyiragongo?
Virunga Mountains in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It is located along the African Rift Valley.
What is the African Rift Valley?
A landform found in the East African Rift system, that has formed because of the diverging Nubian and Somalian plates.
Describe the history of Mt Nyiragona:
Since 19th century, it has erupted over 30 times and is responsible for over 40% of Africa’s recorded volcanic activity, alongside its neighbouring volcano Mt Nyamuragira.
What makes the Goma area vulnerable to eruptions from Mt Nyiragona?
- Fertile agricultural region, so people encouraged to move there.
- Not particular threat to humans, as lava is slow flowing - but flows can overwhelm agricultural land and built environment.
- Economic + environmental vulnerability.
- HOWEVER, recently CO2 emissions, seeping from ground, has made humans very vulnerable.
Describe the 2002 eruption of Mt Nyiragongo:
- Largely unexpected - although some seismic activity in area.
- Large eruption - 13 km fissure on southern flank of volcano.
- Flowed towards Goma and Lake Kivu.
- Not violent - only measured 1 on VEI scale.
10 to list.
List the major effects of the eruption of Mt Nyiragongo:
- Lava flows destroyed 1/3 Goma.
- Commercial centre of town destroyed - inc. water and power facilities, three health centres and one hospital.
- Lava covered runway at Goma airport.
- Death toll reached 147.
- Over 350,000 people fled to Rwanda - caused issue with providing food and shelter.
- Sulphurous lava entered Lake Kivu - poisoned major source of drinking water.
- Feared rise in temperature or Lake Kivu - carbon dioxide and methane releasing form lake bed.
- Several earthquakes - strong enough to cause structural damage.
- Thousands required medical attention.
- Looting from abandoned homes and commercial properties.
How did people die in the eruption of Mt Nyiragongo?
Mainly through inhaling poisonous gases, drinking contaminated water and building collapses.
Many were killed when petrol store they were attempting to loot exploded - it is believed looters were hoping to sell petrol in order to buy food.
Why did so many people require medical attention after the eruption of Mt Nyiragongo?
Firstly, from effects of smoke and fumes from lava - eye irritation and respiratory problems.
Secondly, from complaints of dysentery linked to drinking contaminated water.
What kept the death toll relatively low after the eruption of Mt Nyiragongo?
The prompt issue of a red warning, which enabled a full evacuation to take place.
Describe the responses to the eruption of Mt Nyiragongo:
- Red warning issued - full evacuation.
- UN provided humanitarian aid.
- Food.
- Temporary shelter.
What aid did the UN give after the eruption of Mt Nyiragongo?
- Emergency rations:
- High energy biscuits.
- Then, more substantial food like maize, beans and cooking oil.
- Temporary housing for displaced people.
- Clean water, sanitation and health care.
Overall they estimated the cost of this aid to be around $15 million.
What have been some longer term impacts of the eruption of Mt Nyiragongo?
- Damaged infastructure - destroyed many businesses, resulting in increased unemployment in the area.
- Several children and animals died from inhaling poisonous CO2 gas, which seeped from ground in relatively large amounts.
- Local people named this phenomenon ‘Mazuku’.
Give an example of a volcanic eruption that occured in a HIC:
The eruption of Eyjafjallajokull in Iceland, in April 2010.
When was the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull?
April 2010.
