“Human Response to Volcanic Hazards is the Same Everywhere” Discuss this statement

Each year, there are approximately 60 volcanic eruptions across the globe. It is extremely difficult to predict the exact location, ferocity or timing of a volcanic hazard, therefore risks are imminent and potentially dangerous. A volcanic hazard comes from tectonic plates (large rigid blocks of the earth’s surface which appear to move as a unit) colliding with each other or moving apart, disrupting the ground beneath us, allowing magma to rise up through the crust. Hazards are events, natural or man made, that affects human life, property or activity. A response is the methods that humans take to reduce future risks, or prevent damage during in a hazard. Evacuation plans are in place in both MEDCs and LEDCs, however a lack of education about hazards and human resistance to government advice can have implications on responses.

Evacuation plans can be put into place in order to respond to hazards. One such example is used in the Bay of Napoli, Italy where the volcano Vesuvius is active. There are 3 zones; Red, yellow and blue. The red zone is subject to the most danger, including pyroclastic flows, gases, landslides and ash. There is a population of just under 550mila living in this zone, therefore if an eruption is highly anticipated, then the entire area will be evacuated as soon as possible. The yellow zone will most likely be affected by only pyroclastic particles, such as ash, and it is estimated that only 10% of this region is actually at danger. The blue zone is within the yellow zone, and at risk to floods as it consists of the Valley of Nola. By having a structured and detail evacuation plan in place, those living in potential risk areas have their chances of human damage reduced, as they can escape the area. Monitoring systems are in place which theoretically will give