How to mitigate against a volcanic event

Question 1

Italy; modifying the event

Answer 1

• local scale success with slowing + diverting lava flows from Etna
• earth barriers, concrete blocks dropped into lava flow + channels dug to divert flowing lava away

Question 2

Italy; modifying vulnerability

Answer 2

• CFCRV (Volcano Risk Service) -> the basis of decision making on evacuation
  they carry out: LT analysis of eruption patterns, constant monitoring eg seismonitors, analysis of gas emission, satellite survey, closure of airports when threatened by ash, research into most effective building design to resist ash falls

Question 3

Italy; modifying loss

Answer 3

• well practiced due to freq eruption from Etna
• timely evacuation have minimal casualties
• in recent years houses, farms, livestock etc have been destroyed so Italian govt have resources to compensate + restore structure

Question 4

Indonesia; modifying vulnerability

Answer 4

• CVGHM (Centre for volcanology + geological hazard mitigation -> set up in 1920, had little funding + volcanoes not a priority -> political tension
• they have been able to upgrade monitoring -> 60 volcanoes now monitored
• threat from lahars is high due to quantities of ash (esp in raining season Nov-March)
• they work closely with govts who advise them on strategies
• they established National Agency for Disaster Management -> installed monitor locations at the greatest risk

Question 5

Indonesia; modifying loss

Answer 5

• limited resources after an eruption, experienced by farmers
• well equipped emergency services inc military (search + rescue)
• temp shelters available in safe zones
• authorities have cleared river channels of volcanic materials to reduce risk of flooding + to contain lahars

Question 6

how does political stability affect mitigation?

Answer 6

A politically instable country may find it difficult to modify vulnerability such as Indonesia, as they place such a low level of priority upon monitoring volcanic events thus it puts its population at risk.

a politically stable government will make it easier to have successful recovery systems such as with charities, NGOs or neighbouring countries. This could increase resources such as emergency relief, military personnel, vehicles in which to help after the event of a volcano.

Question 7

what reasons may economic development not be needed to mitigate?

Answer 7

LIDCs can be prepared eg Indonesia has well equipped emergency services which helps to modify loss. CVGHM has established national agency for disaster management -> work close with governments to discuss mitigation strategies

some volcanic events may erupt without any warning and even ACs can be caught off guard. For example, the 2014 eruption of Mount Ontake in Japan was an phreatic eruption, there had been little warning from the JMA as the seismometers were not working.

can also depend on the type of eruption eg effusive eruptions there is slow movement of lava bubbling, easier to manage