HOW DO VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS AFFECT SOCIETY

NEGATIVE EFFECT OF VOLCANIC ERUPTION

 Loss of lives
 Affects economy
 Loss of property
 Causes air pollution

POSITIVE EFFECT OF VOLCANIC ERUPTION

 Decrease in the Earth’s surface temperature (Mt. Pinatubo eruption)

 Created spectacular scenery
 Increase soil fertility for farming

Signs of an Impending Volcanic Eruption

1. Increase in the frequency of volcanic quakes with rumbling sounds; occurrence of volcanic
tremors.
2. Increased steaming activity; change in color of steam emission from white; to gray due to
entrained gas.
3. Crater glow due to presence of magma at or near the crater.
4. Ground swells (or inflation), ground tilt and ground fissuring due to magma intrusion.
5. Localized landslides, rockfalls and landslides from the summit area which not attributable to
heavy rains.
6. Noticeable increase in the extent of drying up of vegetation around the volcano's upper slopes.
7. Increase in the temperature of hot springs, wells (e.g., Bulusan and Canlaon) and crater lake
8. Noticeable variation in the chemical content of springs, crater lakes within the vicinity of the
volcano.
9. Drying up of the spring/wells around the volcano.
10. Development of new thermal areas and/or reactivation of old ones.
Precautions in case of Volcanic Eruption

I.BEFORE

A. Learn about your community warning systems.

B. Be prepared for these disasters that can be spawned by volcanoes.
 Earthquakes
 Flash floods
 Landslide and mudflows
 Thunderstorms
 Tsunamis
C. Make evacuation plans.
D. Develop an emergency communication plan.
E. Ask an out-of-town relative or friend to serve as the “family contact”.
F. Have a disaster-supplies on hand.
 Flashlight and extra batteries
 Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
 First aid kit and manual
 Emergency food and water
 Non-Electric can opener
 Essential medicines, cash and credits
 Sturdy shoes
G. Get a pair of goggles and a throw-away breathing mask for each member of the household.
H. Contact your local emergency management office or the Philippine Red Cross Chapter for more
information on volcanoes.

II.DURING
A. Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities.
B. Avoid areas downwind of the volcano.
C. If caught indoors:
• Close all windows, doors and dampers
• Put all machinery inside a garage or barn
• Bring animals and livestock into closed shelters
D. If trapped outdoors:
• Seek shelter indoors
• If caught in a rockfall, roll into a ball position to protect head
• Avoid low - lying areas where poisonous gases can collect and flash floods can be most
dangerous
• If caught near a stream, beware of mudflows
E. Protect yourself.
• Wear long sleeved shirts and pants
• Use goggles to protest eyes
• Use a dust-mask or hold a damp cloth over face to help breathing
• Keep car or truck engines off
F. Stay out of the area. A lateral blast a volcano can travel many miles from the mountain.
Trying to watch an erupting volcano is a deadly idea.
III.AFTER
A. Listen to a radio or television for the latest emergency information.
B. Stay away from volcanic ash fall.
C. When outside:
• Cover your nose and mouth. A number of victims of the Mount
Pinatubo volcano died from inhaling ash.
• Wear goggles to protect your eyes.
• Keep skin covered to avoid irritation or burns.
D. If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash.
Stay indoors until local health officials advise it is safe to go outside.
E. Avoid driving in heavy ash falls. Driving will stir up more ash that can clog
engines and stall vehicles.
F. Clear roofs of ash fall. Ash fall is very heavy and can cause buildings to collapse.
G. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance-infants, elderly people, and
people with disabilities.