Volcanic Eruption Case Studies

Question 1

Eyjafjallajokull (Iceland)
Eruption key facts

Answer 1

March - June 2010
Main eruption April 13th
Stratovolcano
Iceland
HIC

Question 2

Eyjafjallajokull (Iceland)
Eruption Primary Impacts

Answer 2

Ash plume 9km into atmosphere
Ash hazard to aircraft
Air travel disrupted
Local evacuations
Glacier meltwater = flood
Ash contaminated water supply, soil and vegetation

Question 3

Eyjafjallajokull (Iceland)
Eruption Secondary Impacts

Answer 3

Airlines lost $2Billion
Millions stranded at airports worldwide
Global trade impacted
Roads + Rail use overwhelmed
Tourism dropped
Health issues rise (ash inhalation)

Question 4

Eyjafjallajokull (Iceland)
Eruption Short Term
Responses

Answer 4

Evacuated 800 to avoid floods by meltwater
Locals advised to stay inside or wear masks (avoid inhale ash)
Efforts made to divert meltwater
Emergency accommodation and flight rebooking
Transport alternatives for affected passengers

Question 5

Eyjafjallajokull (Iceland)
Eruption Long Term
Responses

Answer 5

Improved volcanic ash monitoring and forecasting
Increased funding of volcanic research in iceland
Strengthened early warning systems
Boosted tourism - sites near
Eyjafjallajokull developed into attractions

Question 6

My. Nyiragongo Earthquake key facts

Answer 6

May 2021
Stratovolcano with lava lake
Democratic Republic of Congo
LIC

Question 7

My. Nyiragongo Eruption Primary Impacts

Answer 7

32 deaths
Lava flows destroyed over 1000 homes and buildings
Earthquakes, ground cracks
Aftershocks
Large ground fissures

Question 8

My. Nyiragongo Earthquake Secondary Impacts

Answer 8

364,000 displaced
Infrastructure damage
Electricity and water disrupted
Economic loss
Education disrupted
Psychological trauma

Question 9

My. Nyiragongo Earthquake Short Term Responses

Answer 9

Evacuated over 400,000
Thousands fled to nearby towns
Search and rescue by local volunteers
Temporary shelters
Medical teams treat injuries, burns and prevent diseases in overcrowded shelters

Question 10

My. Nyiragongo Earthquake long Term Responses

Answer 10

Improved volcanic monitoring
Reconstruction of infrastructure
Resettlement programmes + relocate communities from high risk zones
Disaster preparedness + risk education
Strengthen International and national cooperation