Solution:

Characteristics:

Volcanoes that are likely to constitute a disaster threat are internationally well documented and, in many cases, monitored for possible activity. Usually, therefore, major eruptions can be predicted.

Volcanic blasts can destroy structures and environmental surroundings, and also cause fires, possibly including forest fires.

Land surface cracking, resulting from a volcanic explosion, may affect buildings and other structures.

Lava flow can bury buildings and crops. It may also cause fires and render land unusable.

Ash, in its airborne form, can affect aircraft by ingestion into engines.

Ground deposits of ash may destroy crops and also affect land use and water supplies.

Ash may also cause respiratory problems.

Mudflows may arise from associated heavy rain.

General countermeasures:

• Land-use regulations,
• Lava control systems,
• Developing a monitoring and warning system,
• Evacuation plans and arrangements,
• Relocating the population, and
• Public awareness and education programs.

Special problems areas for disaster management:

• Access during the eruption.

• Timely and accurate evacuation decision(s).

• Public apathy, especially if there is a history of false alarms or small eruptions. Thus, it may be difficult to maintain public awareness and also to implement evacuation plans.

• Control of incoming sightseers when evacuation programs are being implemented.