volcano

Hazards
Disaster readiness and risk reduction
Objectives
0 Explain the different volcano-related hazards
such as lahar, ash fall, pyroclastic flow,

1
ballistic projectiles, volcanic gases, and lava
flow.

0 Differentiate these hazards based on how they

form, how dangerous they are, and what

2
damage they can cause.

0 Recognize the warning signs of a possible

volcanic eruption.

3
0 Interpret volcano hazard maps to identify
danger zones and safe areas.

4
0
Apply the correct safety measures before,
during, and after an eruption.
Volcano Hazards
Are dangerous natural events
or conditions caused by
volcanic activity that can
threaten human life, property,
and the environment. These
hazards occur before, during,
or after a volcanic eruption
and can vary depending on
the type and scale of the
how do we know the
signs of Impending
Volcanic Eruption?
earthquakes
• Frequent or strong
earthquakes near the
volcano.
• Caused by magma
moving underground.
Ground
Deformation
• Swelling, bulging, or
sinking of the
volcano’s surface.
• Caused by magma
pushing upward.
Temperature
Changes
• Rising temperatures
around the crater or
hot springs.
• Water bodies nearby
may become warmer
or start boiling.
Small Ash or
Rock Eruptions
• Minor ash fall, rock
fragments, or lava
fragments may be
ejected.
potential
volcano-related
hazards:
lahar
A lahar is a volcanic
mudflow or debris flow
composed of a mixture of
water and volcanic
materials such as ash,
pumice, rocks, and other
pyroclastic debris. It
behaves like wet concrete
and can destroy everything
negative effect:
1) Destruction of Property:
• Lahars can bury houses, roads, bridges, and
infrastructure under thick mud and debris.
2) Loss of Life:
• Because of their speed and force, lahars can
cause massive fatalities when they hit
communities with little warning.
3) Environmental Damage:
• They can wipe out forests, crops, and wildlife
habitats, leading to long-term ecological
ash fall
(also called volcanic ash fall)
is the deposition of fine
particles of volcanic rock
(ash) that are ejected into the
air during a volcanic eruption
and fall back to the ground.
These tiny ash particles are
made of pulverized rock,
minerals, and volcanic glass,
and can be carried by wind
negative effect:
1) Health Hazards:
• Causes respiratory problems, especially for
people with asthma or lung conditions.
• Can irritate eyes, skin, and throat.
2) Agricultural Damage:
• Ash can cover crops, making them inedible or
killing them.
• Soil may become too acidic, affecting future
planting.
3) Contamination of Water Sources:
pyroclastic flow
An extremely hot, fast-moving
mixture of gas, ash, and
volcanic rock fragments that
rushes down the slopes of a
volcano during an explosive
eruption.
It is one of the most
dangerous volcanic hazards
because of its speed, heat,
and destructive power.
negative effect:
1) Instant Death and Severe Injuries:
• The extreme heat and speed can instantly kill
people and animals caught in its path.
2) Psychological and Economic Impact:
• Survivors may face trauma, and communities
suffer from loss of livelihood and property.
3) Burial Under Volcanic Material:
• Entire towns or villages may be completely
covered in volcanic debris.
ballistic projectile
Are large, solid
fragments of rock or
lava that are
forcefully ejected
from a volcano
during an explosive
eruption.
negative effect:
1) Fire Hazard:
• Hot projectiles can ignite fires when they land in
forests, grasslands, or residential areas.
2) Limited Warning Time:
• Ballistic projectiles are ejected with little to no
warning, making them especially dangerous in
the immediate eruption area.
3) Injury or Death:
• Can strike and kill people or animals in the
eruption zone due to their size and speed.
volcanic gases
Volcanic gases are gases
released from a volcano
during an eruption. As
magma rises towards the
surface and pressure
decreases, gases are
released from the liquid
portion of the magma (melt)
and continue to travel
negative effect:
1) Contamination of Water:
• Gases like hydrogen fluoride can pollute rivers
and lakes, making water toxic.
2) Health Hazards to Humans and Animals:
• Can cause breathing problems, eye irritation,
headaches, or even death in high
concentrations.
3) Environmental Damage:
• Acid rain from sulfur dioxide and other gases
can damage crops, forests, and bodies of water.
lava flow
A lava flow is the stream of
molten rock (lava) that
pours out of a volcano
during an eruption. It flows
slowly or rapidly depending
on its temperature,
composition, and gas
content.
negative effect:
1) Destruction of Property:
• Lava flows can burn, bury, or crush homes,
roads, buildings, and farmlands.
2) Injury or Death:
• While lava moves slower than pyroclastic flows,
it can still trap and injure or kill people and
animals who cannot escape in time.
3) Environmental Impact:
• Can change landscapes permanently, destroy
habitats, and affect rivers or coastlines.
emergency
preparedness plan
on what to do
before, during and
after a volcanic
eruption:
BEFORE a Volcanic Eruption:
Preparation
1) Know the Hazards:
• Learn about volcanic hazards in your area
(e.g., ash fall, lahar, lava flow, pyroclastic
flow).
• Know the nearest evacuation routes and
shelters. 2) Create an Emergency Kit:
• Include water, food, flashlight, radio, extra
batteries, first aid kit, face masks, important
documents, and clothes.
• Add goggles and N95 masks for ash
protection.
BEFORE a Volcanic Eruption:
Preparation
3) Stay Informed:
• Listen to news or alerts from PHIVOLCS,
local government, or the barangay.
• Install emergency apps or follow local
warning systems.

4) Secure Your Home:

• Check your roof and windows to withstand
ashfall.
• Trim trees and remove objects that could
fall.
DURING a Volcanic Eruption: Safety
First
1) Evacuate If Ordered:
• Follow authorities. Don't wait until it's too
late.
• Use designated evacuation routes—avoid
river valleys and low-lying areas.
2) Stay calm:
• Keeps your mind clear so you can make good
decisions.
• Helps avoid panic, which can cause
accidents or delay evacuation.
DURING a Volcanic Eruption: Safety
First
3) Protect Your Body:
• Cover your head, skin, and eyes.
• Wear long sleeves, pants, mask, and
goggles.

4) Avoid Low Areas:

• Do not go near river channels, valleys, or
streams, lahars (mudflows) may suddenly
rush through.
AFTER a Volcanic Eruption: Recovery &
Safety
1) Wait for the Official “All Clear”:
• Do not return home until authorities say it's
safe.

2) Check for Damage:

• Inspect your home carefully. Avoid damaged
buildings or areas with thick ash or cracks.
AFTER a Volcanic Eruption: Recovery &
Safety
3) Clean Up Safely:
• Wear masks and gloves when cleaning ash.
• Avoid sweeping ash dry—lightly dampen it to
reduce dust.

4) Help Others and Stay Informed:

• Check on neighbors, especially the elderly
and children.
• Listen for health warnings and recovery
assistance announcements.
interpret
different
volcano
hazards
maps
1. Lahar Hazard Map
• What it shows: Areas where volcanic mudflows
(lahars) may occur.
• Key Features:
⚬ Follows river valleys from the volcano.
⚬ Zones are usually marked as:
🔴 High-risk: Closest to rivers or steep
slopes.
🟠 Moderate risk: Mid-slope or
downstream areas.
🟢 Low risk: Flat areas far from rivers.
• Interpretation: Avoid river valleys during heavy
2. Pyroclastic Flow Hazard Map
• What it shows: Areas likely to be affected
by fast-moving, hot clouds of ash and gas.
• Key Features:
⚬ Usually within a short radius (5–10 km)
around the crater.
⚬ Marked as danger zones in red or dark
colors.
• Interpretation: People in these zones must
evacuate immediately when there's a
3. Ashfall Hazard Map
• What it shows: Areas expected to receive
volcanic ash based on wind direction.
• Key Features:
⚬ Often shown in concentric zones
(heaviest ash near the crater, lighter
ash farther away).
⚬ Wind direction arrows are included.
• Interpretation: Prepare masks and eye
protection; protect water sources and
4. Lava Flow Hazard Map
• What it shows: Likely paths of lava flowing
from the volcano.
• Key Features:
⚬ Typically near volcano slopes or vents.
⚬ Marked in red or orange, showing flow
direction based on land elevation.
• Interpretation: Lava flows destroy
everything in their path. Evacuate early if
within these zones.
5. Volcanic Hazard Zonation Map
(Comprehensive)
• What it shows: All major hazards (lahars,
ash fall, lava flows, pyroclastic flows).
• Key Features:
⚬ Uses different colors or symbols to show
each type of hazard.
⚬ Zones are ranked from very high risk to
low risk.
• Interpretation: Identify your home or
clarifications?
Thank
You!
presented by group 2