Survivor!...Are you ready for a Volcanic Eruption!
Looking out of my upstairs window, I have always marveled at the volcanoes that majestically line the horizon; “Agung”, the mother of all mountains in Bali, towering above them, her slopes often disappearing into a shroud of mist. Watching the sunrise over her shoulders it would be easy it forget what a dangerous and merciless beauty she really is. It is now just over 40 years since she last demonstrated her fiery prowess. Ignoring all pleas for mercy, and shunning offering and prayer as her molten skirt swept away village and temple. Will she curse the island once more with her pyre of lava and ash? Who knows? One thing for sure is that you’d better be ready for it when she does!
WHAT IS A VOLCANIC ERUPTION?
Volcanoes form when a break in the Earth’s crust allows magma (molten rock) and hot gas to reach the surface under pressure, resulting in dangerous eruptions.
There are over 1,500 potentially-active volcanoes world-wide with eight to ten erupting at any time. There are at least as many more under the oceans. Pacific region countries contain about 80% of these volcanoes, which encircle the Pacific Ocean in a belt known as the ‘Ring of Fire’. Indonesia has over 400 volcanoes, 128 of them still active.
Gunung Agung in Bali last erupted in 1963. Galunggung volcano in West Java last erupted in 1982, and Rinjani in neighboring Lombok belched in 1994 (I remember my car being covered in fine ash in Sanur!), and the famous tourist destination Gunung Bromo in East Java stirred as recently as June of this year . So are we at risk for a volcanic eruption in Bali? – Absolutely yes!
Range of Destruction
In the immediate area, main threats are: high-speed, super-heated toxic gases and debris; blast effects; lava flows; volcanic earthquakes; landslides; collapses; and lahars (mudflows), while ash clouds or deposits and tsunamis can be hazards much further away.
Volcanoes can cause immense destruction to whole towns, crops, forests, roads, etc creating many evacuees who must be sheltered, fed and resettled. Lava flows may also block streams, causing floods, mud flows and landslides, and disruption in local water supplies.
Warning signs.
Volcano research and monitoring is increasing in most countries with the common goal of providing greater warning time of likely eruptions. Bulges in the volcanic crater as well as increased volcanic activity are all signs of an imminent eruption. Earth tremors increasing in strength and frequency are also an ominous sign.
Emergency Kit and Plan:
- Have candles, matches, a torch and a portable radio with fresh batteries.
- Have containers of fresh water, a first aid kit and basic first aid knowledge.
- Know safe areas to shelter, and danger areas to avoid.
- Plan with family how and where to meet if separated. List emergency contact numbers.
Be aware that many facilities such as communication systems, electricity, consular posts, hospitals and airports may also be out of action. Roads and transportation may be interrupted, and families should prepare to be self sufficient for an unknown period of time. Fresh water supplies should be your major concern; ration drinking water and do not waste fresh water on bathing, washing clothes etc etc.
During the Eruption
- If in the vicinity of the crater, move away as fast as possible. Don’t try to get close to craters or lava flows to get a better view. High speed toxic gas blasts can travel at over 150 kilometers per hour and are unpredictable.
- Listen to the radio for information on the direction of the lava flow, and possible evacuation instructions. Be aware that flying away from an area close to an erupting volcano my not always be possible due to ash clouds which clog the aircraft’s engines.
- If you are far enough away not to be in immediate danger from lava or volcanic blasts, and yet still exposed to ash and other fall out, make sure that your house is sealed, the windows and doors closed, gaps filled with damp fabric or towels.
- If you are in a vehicle keep the windows closed, and do not use air conditioning (filters will clog quickly and the engine may seize).
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Kim Patra is a qualified Registered Nurse and Midwife that has been living and working in Bali for almost twenty years. She now runs her own private practice and medical referral service from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns with you and she may be contacted via e-mail at info@chcbali.com”.
