Volcanoes are a natural disaster that can be both awe-inspiring and deadly. With over 1,500 active volcanoes on Earth, it’s no surprise that eruptions are a common occurrence. In the last 200 years, there have been some massive volcanic eruptions that have left a mark on history.
One of the most destructive eruptions in recent history was the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980. This eruption had a VEI of 5 and a DRE of 0.5km3, resulting in 57 deaths. The eruption caught many by surprise and remains the most deadly volcanic event in the history of the USA.
Another devastating eruption was the El Chichón eruption in 1982 in Mexico. With a VEI of 5 and a DRE of 1.1km3, this eruption led to an estimated 1,900 deaths. The volcano had been dormant for over 600 years, but when it erupted, it unleashed a deadly pyroclastic flow that took many lives.
In 1991, the Mount Hudson volcano in Chile erupted with a VEI of 5 and a DRE of 1.6-2.7km3. While there were no human deaths recorded, the eruption resulted in the deaths of thousands of grazing animals due to the ash that rained down on farmland.
The Krakatoa eruption in 1883 is one of the most famous volcanic events in history. With a VEI of 6 and a DRE of 9km3, this eruption led to an estimated 36,600 deaths. The eruption triggered deadly pyroclastic flows and tsunami waves that travelled across the Sunda Strait at incredible speeds.
The Novarupta eruption in 1912 in Alaska, USA, was the largest volcanic event of the 20th century. With a VEI of 6 and a DRE of 13-14km3, this eruption carved its way through the mountainous terrain, forming the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. While there were no human deaths recorded, wildlife, especially bird populations, suffered as a result.
The biggest recorded volcanic eruption in human history was the Mount Tambora eruption in 1815. With a VEI of 7 and a DRE of 35-50km3, this cataclysmic event led to at least 71,000 deaths. The eruption caused massive food shortages globally, earning 1816 the title of ‘the year without summer’.
These are just a few examples of the deadliest volcanic eruptions in history. With the unpredictability of volcanoes, it’s important to be prepared and heed warnings to avoid catastrophic consequences.