At least 25 people were killed, including a young baby, and more were injured after Indonesia’s most volatile volcano, Mount Merapi, started erupting Tuesday (26/10), sending ash and smoke nearly a mile into the sky, and in a twin disaster, an earthquake-spawned tsunami struck off the coast of Sumatra. The volcano, which scientists fear could produce a sudden, catastrophic explosion, began erupting just before dusk, Subandriyo, chief volcanologist in the area, said.
Bali to has its share of volcanoes, in fact, the entire Indonesian Archipelago is just a chain of ancient scars of volcanic eruptions past. “Mount Agung”, the mother of all mountains in Bali, has been a dangerous and merciless beauty in the past. 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!). 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.
Staying Safe 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 radio for information for direction of 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 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 engine may seize).
Don’t Be Scared, Be Prepared!
Are you ready for a disaster?
Did you know that every 8 minutes there is a disaster somewhere on this planet? it has long been known that the entire archipelago that is Indonesia sits on a major fault line, that leaves us wide open for quakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunami. Along with flood, fire and the occasional risk of terrorism, I think that gives us more than valid reason to make ourselves well prepared for what could very well happen!
WATER
Dehydration and disease from dirty water is one of the foremost concerns following a major disaster. You should prepare a three-day supply of water for everyone in your home. The Red Cross recommends one gallon per person per day, however I think this is a little excessive. You should be able to survive on about 6-8 glasses of water a day and let’s face it we are talking “survival” here! Store the water in opaque plastic containers (sealed 4 liter Aqua bottles are ideal). Change this water every six months. It is also worth keeping a supply of water purification tablets (not available here in Bali). You can also boil well water if you have the facilities; even urine can be used in a life / death situation! Don’t forget to use other water sources such as coconuts. You will fare much better if you add re-hydration salts or electrolytes to your water. Keep sachets of oralyte (2 per person per day) in your emergency supplies.
FOOD
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables.
Canned juices, milk.
High energy foods such as dried fruit, crackers, granola bars, unsalted nuts (that will not increase thirst).
Vitamins
Foods for infants, elderly, persons with special dietary needs
Be aware that rice & pasta need to be cooked which means that you will need both water and heating, so it is not a good idea to rely on these as your first line source of emergency food supplies.
FIRST AID KIT
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Assorted sizes of safety pins
Cleansing agent/soap/ wet-wipes.
Triangular bandages
Non-prescription drugs such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medicines.
Broad spectrum antibiotics such as Amoxil.
Various roller bandages
Scissors, tweezers, needle
Antiseptic – Betadine.
Thermometer
First aid manual.
Special needs medication for your family e.g. asthma or diabetic supplies.
OTHER HEALTH CONCERNS.
Always make sure that your family’s vaccines are up to date, especially for Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A as these diseases are rampant following disasters. (Cholera vaccine is no longer used).
Make yourself aware of basic first aid measures.
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
Non-electric can opener or a utility knife
Pliers
Tape
Matches in a waterproof container
Candles
Aluminum foil
Paper, pencil
Needles, thread
SANITATION
Soap, liquid detergent
Feminine supplies
Plastic garbage bags and ties
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Household chlorine bleach
DOCUMENTS
Store family documents (passports, medical records etc.) in a waterproof bag or container. It is also wise to store passport details / numbers on your person (e.g. in your cell phone memory), should you need to evacuate the island quickly.
Kim Patra is a qualified registered nurse and midwife who has been living and working in Bali for almost 20 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 or Hp. 081 2366 0000.
