Why are the death tolls and damage greater for some volcanic eruptions than others?

Answer 1

The depends on a variety of factors. First, eruptions vary greatly in type and magnitude. Some volcanic produce slow-moving lava flows. These flows destroy essentially everything in their path, but it is easy for people to escape them. Others produce explosions, of ash, rock, and globs of lava, but significant effects do not reach very far beyond the vent. Others produce massive clouds of ash that can incinerate all that is near the volcano, and blanket areas farther away. These eruptions themselves vary in size and how far they reach. Second, it matters where the volcano is. The 1912 eruption of the volcano Novarupta was the largest if the twentieth century, but caused no direct casualties as it occurred in a remote part of Alaska. The much smaller eruption of Mount Pelee in 1902 killed more than 30,000 as it sent clouds of burning hot ash into the region's largest city. In modern times warnings matter as well. The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo killed about 800 people, but the death toll would likely have been in the tens of thousands had authorities not evacuated everyone within 15 miles of the volcano. In 1985 authorities largely ignored the threat posed by the volcano Nevado del Ruiz in Columbia. When it erupted, towns in nearby valleys were not warned of the mudflows produced by melted glaciers. More than 20,000 people died.

Answer 2

The death toll and damage caused by volcanic eruptions can vary based on factors such as the type of volcano, eruption style, proximity to populated areas, evacuation measures in place, and volcanic monitoring systems. Explosive eruptions with pyroclastic flows and lahars are typically more destructive than effusive eruptions. Additionally, the vulnerability of surrounding communities and infrastructure plays a significant role in the overall impact of volcanic eruptions.