Volcanoes are a thing of awe and dread. Dubbed nature’s fiery spectacles, volcanoes have frightened and fascinated humans for as long as memory can serve. While we revere dormant volcanoes for their spine-tingling allure, active vents demand our respect and vigilance for the devastating force they represent and the catastrophe that trails their wake. Here are the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.
1. Mount Vesuvius, Italy
Near Naples, the infamous Mount Vesuvius rises into the murky sky with the ruins of its violent history surrounding it. Vesuvius is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes globally, posing great danger to the housing and livelihood of locals in Naples. Vesuvius is the only volcano on Europe’s mainland that has erupted in the last hundred years.
2. Yellowstone Caldera, United States
When Yellowstone erupts, its lava will travel over 40 miles, destroying everything in its path, including houses and vegetation. Yellowstone hasn’t erupted in thousands of years, but the volcano is still considered active.
3. Popocatepetl, Mexico
Popocatepetl, also known as “Popo” by locals, is one of Mexico’s most dangerous and active volcanoes, having erupted more than 15 times since the Spanish arrived in 1519. Popo started erupting again after some quiet in 2003 and is still erupting to date.
4. Mount Merapi, Indonesia
Nestled in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Mount Merapi is an active stratovolcano that has caused significant loss of life and destruction. Mount Merapi is currently erupting, and its gusty nature easily makes it Indonesia’s most volatile volcano.
5. Mount Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of Congo
Nyiragongo is one of the earth’s deadliest. It fields a lake of lava bubbling within its craters around seasons. Mount Nyiragongo’s eruption in 2002 led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands in the region, and there is growing fear it may come alive again.
6. Mount Etna, Italy
Italy’s second volcano on the list of deadliest, Mount Etna, ranks in the danger spectrum of Vesuvius. Unarguably one of the tallest in Europe at 1,014 feet, Etna last erupted in February 2021 and has been active since the turn of the millennium.
7. Sakurajima, Japan
Located in the Bay of Kagoshima in Japan, Sakurajima is hardly ever devoid of spouting and rupturing. This volcano is reputable for sending plumes of ashes and smokes into the air, disrupting air travel while posing significant threats to nearby communities.
8. Cotopaxi, Ecuador
A colossal stratovolcano protrudes into the sky of the Ecuadorian Andes, spreading an imposing presence near the capital city of Quito. Cotopaxi is currently erupting in 2023. Experts advise nearby residents to seek an alternative settlement as fiercer eruptions could affect locals living miles away.
9. Mount St. Helens, United States
Mount St. Helens is a potent reminder of the unpredictable power of nature, especially for its most memorable volcanic event in 1980, which has been dubbed the most deadly and economically destructive volcano in the history of the contiguous United States. Mount St. Helens last erupted between 2004-2008 but is still active.
10. KÄ«lauea, Hawaii, United States
A shield volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, KÄ«lauea is notable for its frequent eruption and the grave risk it poses to nearby communities. KÄ«lauea’s danger is seen in the vast changes its lava caused on the surrounding landscapes. In late June 2023, KÄ«lauea’s fiery display was labeled as “a stunning lava show” by the Associate Press.
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