Managing Volcanoes Case Study - Indonesia (EDC)

Question 1

In what year was the Indonesian CVGHM (Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation) established?

Answer 1

1920.

Question 2

In what year was the CVGHM’s first seismograph setup on Mount Merapi?

Answer 2

1924.

Question 3

How many volcanoes are currently monitored in Indonesia?

Answer 3

More than 60.

Question 4

What three factors are measured by observatories on Indonesia’s volcanoes?

Answer 4

• Gas emissions.
• Rock deformation due to magma rise.
• Seismic activity.

Question 5

What three reasons make lahars a major threat to Indonesia?

Answer 5

• High quantities of tephra are common in eruptions from Indonesian volcanoes.
• Indonesia has a high rainfall per annum of 1800mm.
• The rainy season between November and March is a particular hazard.

Question 6

In what three ways does Indonesia mitigate the vulnerability to volcanic hazards?

Answer 6

• Lahar sensors and CCTV were installed in association with university researchers to monitor high risk areas.
• The CVGHM works with the Indonesian National Agency for Disaster Management and local governments in order to protect communities.
• Permanent settlements at high risk around Mount Merapi are prohibited, and existing high risk settlements are encouraged to move, sometimes being given financial assistance or small plots of land in a safer area.

Question 7

In what three ways does Indonesia mitigate loss and damages from volcanic hazards?

Answer 7

• Emergency services and the military are well trained and equipped, as well as being experienced in search and rescue.
• Volcanic material is cleared from river channels to reduce flooding and the threat of lahars, which can then be used by local people to fix damages.
• Temporary shelters are available in safe zones for evacuation if required, and some have been upgraded into permanent residential areas.