Volcanic eruptions: the worst in recent years

A topic that is constantly in the media is volcanic eruptions.

Very common in many places around the world, when it happens, this type of phenomenon usually attracts a lot of attention.

This is because, depending on its proportions, a volcanic eruption has the power to destroy everything around it.

And it was with this natural phenomenon in mind that we created today’s material. 

In the following text, we will talk more about volcanoes and also learn about the worst volcanic eruptions in recent years.

What is a volcano?

You've probably heard of volcanoes. But do you know exactly what this phenomenon is?

A volcano is a geological structure that occurs all over the world. This type of phenomenon acts as a kind of connection between the interior of our planet and the exterior.

And when it comes to volcanoes and their activities, this can vary a lot. 

While some are constantly active, there are others who, as far as we know, have never been active.

And when it comes to volcanoes and historical volcanic eruptions, it is impossible not to mention Vesuvius, the most famous volcanic eruption in our history and which destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD.

In addition, the Krakatoa volcano in Indonesia in 1883 is still considered the largest in history. The death toll was more than 36,000.

What are volcanic eruptions?

Although the vast majority of volcanoes go through long periods without major events – therefore, without any record of activity – not all are like this.

From time to time, the feared volcanic eruptions occur.

These volcanic eruptions are a phenomenon of nature.

As the name suggests, these events are directly linked to volcanoes and consist of magma escaping from their interior to the surface.

Due to the extremely high temperatures inside the planet, this magma is basically composed of rocks and different types of melted minerals.

What many people don't know is that, while it is still inside the volcano, this substance is known as magma.

But, when it comes into contact with our surface due to volcanic eruptions, this magma receives its more popular name: lava.

In addition to this magma – which in itself is already responsible for a series of damages – volcanic eruptions also involve the release of elements such as pieces of rock, ash and gases.

After a certain time after the volcanic eruption, the lava tends to solidify. 

After this period, this solidified lava gives rise to so-called volcanic rocks – or magmatic rocks.

What types of volcanic eruptions are there?

Created by experts and scholars of this phenomenon, there is a way to classify volcanic eruptions. They can be classified into three types:

Effusive

When the volcanic eruption has very fluid lava, few gases and no large explosions 

Explosive or catastrophic 

This type of volcanic eruption is known for having highly viscous and fluid lava.

In addition, this type is also rich in gases and also has a high amount of solid elements.

Mixed

The third and final type of this classification is the mixed volcanic eruption. It is known for presenting elements of both previous classifications.

What were the worst volcanic eruptions in recent years?

You may have seen news reports – or at least read stories – about volcanic eruptions that caused great damage in various parts of the world.

Below, we have listed some of them for you to learn about – or even remember – and understand a little more about the damage that volcanic eruptions can cause.

Fuego Volcano, Guatemala

Occurring in mid-2018, the Fogo Volcano resulted in the deaths of more than 60 people.

Although – compared to other volcanoes throughout history – it did not cause as many victims, the effects caused by it were devastating.

Classified as one of the most violent explosions in recent decades, the Fuego Volcano left hundreds injured and, in total, directly affected the lives of almost 2 million people. 

Among them, more than 3,600 people had to abandon their homes and flee the volcanic eruption.

Ontake Volcano, Japan

The 2014 eruption of the Ontake volcano sent a thick cloud of smoke, including ash and rocks, flying around it. 

This eruption surprised hundreds of people who were on excursions in the region. And among them, 60 ended up dying.

This result made the catastrophe known as the worst to occur in Japan since the end of the Second World War.

In 1991, another eruption had also caught the country's attention. It was the eruption of Mount Unzen. 

This situation ended up causing the death of 43 people. Among these victims, three caught the attention of the entire world.

French volcanologists Maurice and Katia Krafft and American researcher Harry Glicken.

Sinabung Volcano, Indonesia

Also in 2014, this eruption occurred on the island of Sumatra. And the eruption attracted attention for a curious fact.

Sinabung had awakened only 5 months earlier, after a period of 400 years of complete inactivity.

The Sinabung eruption killed at least 16 people. In 2016, a little over 2 years later, a new eruption occurred.

Leaving at least 7 dead, this second eruption caused dozens of villages to be completely covered by the ash expelled by the volcano.

Merapi Volcano, Indonesia

Occurring in 2010, the Merapi volcano – also in Indonesia – is one of the worst volcanic eruptions on our list today.

Occurring at an altitude of almost 3,000 meters, the Merapi volcanic eruption caused the death of more than 300 people. 

And besides that, volcanic activity caused more than 280 thousand people to have to move from their homes.

Located in a densely populated region on the island of Java, this was the volcano's largest eruption since 1872. 

But despite this, an eruption in 1930 – on a smaller scale – ended up claiming many more lives, with an impressive 1,300 deaths. 

Nyiragongo Volcano, Democratic Republic of the Congo

This eruption occurred in the early 2000s, but it was still quite striking.

This eruption completely destroyed the city center, and residential neighborhoods and much of the infrastructure were also charred.

The total number of victims reached 50. Before that, an eruption in 1977 killed more than 600 people.

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