Impact of volcanic hazards on people and the built environment

Question 1

What is the equation for assessing the impact on the area?

Answer 1

Hazard severity x vulnerability = adversity of consequences.

Question 2

What are the local environmental impacts?

Answer 2

Increased precipitation - increased H20 given off in the eruption - a minor impact.

Question 3

What are the regional impacts?

Answer 3

Summer cooling of Northern Hemisphere - blockage of short-wave radiation in NH atmosphere - somewhat significant impact.

Question 4

What are the global impacts?

Answer 4

Stratospheric warming - absorption of short & long-wave radiation before it hits the atmosphere - catastrophic consequences for agriculture
Global cooling - blockage of short-wave radiation by stratosphere - catastrophic consequences for agriculture

Question 5

From 1900, how many people have died in volcano-related asphyxiation or thermal injuries?

Answer 5

Over 91,000 - regional impact around volcanic hotspots

Question 6

From 2000-2016, how many were injured or affected as a result of volcanic activity?

Answer 6

Over 15,000 injured (local) and 4.7M affected globally

Question 7

How many people a year are rendered homeless by volcanic activity, and what is the impact of this?

Answer 7

15,000 a year, resulting in a financial loss of productivity

Question 8

What is the issue with property destruction due to volcanic activity?

Answer 8

Loss of income, livelihood or homes, limiting economic production in the area. There is an average £50m/year globally in cleanup following volcanic events.

Question 9

What is the issue with health issues from a lack of sanitation and safe food in the aftermath of an explosion?

Answer 9

Economic loss of 2.7billion 1900-2016 - globally
Workforce limited.

Question 10

How many people have died in volcanic activities since 2000 compared to earthquakes?

Answer 10

1019 compared to 18,416

Question 11

How many people were affected directly by volcanic activity since 2000 compared to earthquakes?

Answer 11

94,000 compared to 1.59M

Question 12

What is the economic damage caused by volcanic activity since 2000 compared to earthquakes

Answer 12

0.65B compared to 21.5B

Question 13

How many people died or were injured in the Nevado de Ruiz eruption?

Answer 13

70% of the town Amero killed and 17% injured

Question 14

How was agriculture affected by the Nevado de Ruiz eruption?

Answer 14

60% of livestock killed, and 3400ha of agricultural land lost.

Question 15

How was infrastructure affected by the Nevada de Ruiz eruption?

Answer 15

50 schools, 2 hospitals and 58 industrial plants wiped out.

Question 16

What was the financial impact of the Nevada de Ruiz eruption?

Answer 16

Damages were $7.7b, or 20% of Columbia’s GDP.