Volcanic

Eruption
-what is it?
-causes
-ways to mitigate its harmful
effects
-do's and don'ts before, during,
and after eruptions
 A volcano is an opening or rupture in the earth’s

VOLCANIC
surface that allows magma (hot liquid and semi-
liquid rock), volcanic ash and gases to escape.

ERUPTIONS
They are generally found where tectonic plates
come together or separate but they can also
occur in the middle of plates due to volcanic
hotspots.

A volcanic
eruption is when
lava and gas are
released from a
volcano—
sometimes
explosively.
HOW IT HAPPENS
When enough magma builds up
in the magma chamber, it forces
its way up to the surface and
erupts, often causing volcanic
eruptions.
In the ocean, volcanoes erupt
along cracks that are opened in the
ocean floor by the spreading of
two plates called a mid-ocean
ridge .
WAYS TO MITIGATE THE
HARMFUL EFFECTS OF
VOLCANIC ERUPTION

-preparation.

-what to do before,
during, and after volcanic
eruptions.
PREPARING FOR

1
VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS
EVALUATE THE PLAN

-Learn your volcano risks and warning

signs and look out for unusual physical
changes around volcanoes.
-Learn and participate in early warning
systems and develop plans for both
evacuating and sheltering in place. Be
aware of secondary hazards such as
landslides, lahars (mudflows), ash and
thunderstorms.
PREPARING FOR

2
VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS
REDUCE RISKS

Protect your home from volcanic ash and

cover water sources if time allows. Avoid
driving during and after ash fall.
Protect your lungs and eyes by wearing
protective gear such as goggles and
masks. Pay particular attention to
vulnerable people and support them to
evacuate or shelter in place.
PREPARING FOR

3
VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS
PREPARE TO RESPOND

Follow official instructions from local

authorities on whether to evacuate or
take shelter. If you get warning prior to
ash fall, return home from school or work
and shelter in place.

Make sure you have additional supplies

such as dust masks, eye protection,
cleaning supplies, a flashlight and an
evacuation bag to hand.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING,
AND AFTER VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS
BEFORE:

Close and lock all windows and outside

doors. Turn off all heating and air
conditioning systems and fans. Close the
fireplace damper. Organize your
emergency supplies and make sure
household members know where the to
get the supplies.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING,
AND AFTER VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS
DURING:

(If you are indoors) Close all windows,

doors, and fireplace or woodstove
dampers. Turn off all fans and heating
and air conditioning systems. Bring pets
and livestock into closed shelters.
Listen to your local radio stations for
civil defence advice and follow
instructions
WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING,
AND AFTER VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS
DURING:
(If you are outdoors) Seek shelter
indoors. If caught in a rockfall, roll into a
ball to protect your head. If near a
stream or river, be aware of rising water
and possible mudflows in low-lying
areas. Move up-slope as quickly as
possible. Seek care for burns right away.
Immediate care can be life saving.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING,
AND AFTER VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS
AFTER:

Listen to your local radio stations for

more civil defence advice and follow
instructions. Stay indoors and away from
volcanic ashfall areas as much as
possible. When it is safe to go outside,
keep your gutters and roof clear of ash
as heavy ash deposits can collapse your
roof.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING,
AND AFTER VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS
PROTECT YOUR SELF
DURING ASHFALL:

The use of respiratory mask. Stay inside,

if possible, with windows and doors
closed. Wear long-sleeved shirts and
long pants. Use goggles to protect your
eyes
NEGATIVE EFFECTS
ON HUMAN
SETTLEMENTS

Volcanoes are dangerous. They can kill

people and damage property.
Economic activity can suffer as it is hard
for businesses to operate after an
eruption.
Habitats and landscapes are damaged by
lava flows.
Habitats and landscapes are damaged by
lava flow.
Health concerns after a volcanic eruption
(respiratory illness, burns, injuries from
falls,)
POSITIVE EFFECTS ON
HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
Geothermal energy is where heat from
within the Earth is used to generate
electricity. Geothermal energy can be
generated in areas where magma lies close
to the surface. This is good for increasing
renewable energy use.
Ash ejected by the volcano acts as a good
fertiliser for soils.
Volcanoes attract many tourists, who enjoy
the dramatic scenery that they produce.
Rising magma brings valuable minerals to
the surface, creating mining opportunities.
THANK YOU
FOR
LISTENING