Volcanic eruptions: the worst in recent years

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

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

That's because, depending on its scale, a volcanic eruption has the power to destroy everything in its path.

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 link between the interior of our planet and the exterior.

And when it comes to volcanoes and their activity, that can vary quite a bit. 

While some are constantly active, there are others who, as far as anyone knows, have never been active.

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

In addition to that, the Krakatoa volcano in Indonesia, which erupted in 1883, is still considered the largest in history. It resulted in over 36,000 deaths.

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 of them are like that.

Every now and then, the dreaded volcanic eruptions occur.

These volcanic eruptions are a natural phenomenon.

As the name itself 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 molten rocks and various types of minerals.

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

But when this magma comes into contact with our surface due to volcanic eruptions, it 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 amount of time following a volcanic eruption, the lava tends to solidify. 

After this period, this solidified lava gives rise to what are called volcanic rocks – or igneous 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 a volcanic eruption produces very fluid lava, there are few gases and no large explosions. 

Explosive or catastrophic 

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

Furthermore, this type is also rich in gases and has a high quantity of solid elements.

Mixed

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

What were the worst volcanic eruptions in recent years?

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

Below, we list 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

The Fuego Volcano, which occurred in mid-2018, resulted in the death of more than 60 people.

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

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

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

Ontake Volcano, Japan

The eruption of the Ontake volcano in 2014 projected a dense cloud of smoke around it, including ash and rocks. 

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

This outcome led to the catastrophe being known as the worst to have occurred in Japan since the end of World War II.

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

This situation ultimately resulted in the deaths of 43 people. Among these victims, three caught the world's attention.

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 drew attention for a curious reason.

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

The eruption of Mount Sinabung claimed at least 16 lives. Then, in 2016, a little over two years later, another eruption occurred.

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

Merapi Volcano, Indonesia

The Merapi volcano, which erupted in 2010 and is also located in Indonesia, is one of the worst volcanic eruptions on our list today.

The eruption of Mount Merapi, which occurred at an altitude of nearly 3,000 meters, caused the death of more than 300 people. 

Furthermore, the volcanic activity caused more than 280,000 people to have to leave 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 far more lives, with a staggering 1,300 deaths. 

Nyiragongo Volcano, Democratic Republic of Congo

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

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

The total number of victims reached 50. Before this, an eruption in 1977 claimed more than 600 lives.

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