5a - Living in tectonically active locations: Volcanoes
Italy
Indonesia
Italy's tectonic setting is complicated with several fracture zones in the mediterranean where the African and Eurasian plate meet. mount etna on Sicily is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Modifying vulnerability
Modifying loss
Modifying event
local scale success with diverting lava flows away from the village
earth barriers/large blocks of concrete dropped in lava flows to stop flow
channel tunnels dug in order to divert lava flow
monitoring the activity of a volcano is very important and plays a very important part in mitigating eruption
The Volcano risk Service (CFCRV)which is the basis for decision making in an emergency. It provides help with:
-long term analysis
-international comparison
-constant monitoring
-a well-established alert-level sequence that is understood by everyone (emergency services and local governments)
-closure of airports and airspaces when ash fall threatens engines
-research into the most effective building designs to help mitigate against damage
Italy is well practised with dealing with volcanic hazards due to Mount Etnas frequent eruptions. However loss is still common with livestock being killed and houses and lemon and orange groves being destroyed. The italian government have the resources to compensate for loss and can restore infrastructure.
There have been minimal casualties due to well organised evacuation plans
Indonesia is very tectonically active so has been coping with frequent volcanic eruptions over many centuries.
Modifying vulnerability
Modifying loss
Indonesia's centre for volcanology and geological hazard mitigation (CVGHM) was established in 1920 however was given low priority due to its separation to freedom after WW2 so was under funded. It has now upgraded the monitoring instruments and is very important.
Lahars pose the biggest threat for indonesia after a volcanic eruption due to the rainy season and the amount of ash that explodes out of the volcano.
Indonesia now has a National Agency for disaster Management. This combined with the CVGHM work closely with local governments to advise mitigation strategies. for example:
-permanent settlement is forbidden on high slopes of mount merapi
-villagers on the southern side of the volcano are encouraged to relocate
-when people refuse to move a financial benefit is offered or small plot of land as an incentive to move
However some people are stubborn so relate back to the dangerous location and rebuild and accept the risks.
Resources to deploy after a disaster are limited due to the low economy of Indonesia
Indonesia has specially trained forces, like the military, which are trained in search and rescue after a disaster
Temporary shelter are made in case of evacuation and sometimes become permanent residences
Authorities have cleared river channels of volcanic matter to reduce the risk of flooding and to contain lahars.
