In 79, three cities at the foot of Vesuvius were destroyed by a powerful volcanic eruption that lasted about a day. Pompeii has become a kind of cultural and historical symbol, as well as a reminder to mankind of a strong natural disaster. On planet earth, large settlements remain, which are located in close proximity to volcanoes. It is difficult to imagine a repetition of the tragedy of Pompey, but let's visit cities that can be destroyed by volcanic eruptions.
1
Naples. Italy
The streets and neighborhoods of Naples are located in the immediate vicinity of Vesuvius, between the super-volcanic Phlegrean fields.
Such a dangerous neighborhood with the most dangerous volcano in Europe cannot but disturb the inhabitants of the province. As the city authorities and rescue services assure, it will take 72 hours to evacuate all residents. Although according to the calculations of volcanologists, ash and volcanic rocks will cover the city in 6 minutes.
The only salvation at the moment of ash emissions can be the wind that blows in this part of Italy to the north-west, that is, in the opposite direction from the city.
2
Hilo. Hawaii
On the ocean coast is the city of Hilo. The peaks of two large volcanoes rise above it. The largest active volcano on earth, Mauna Loa and the sleeping Mauna Kea.
In the XIX century, lava during the eruptions reached the city limits, and in 1984 stopped just 4.5 km from the outskirts of Hilo. Both shield volcanoes are part of the National Park. In total, there are 6 volcanoes on a small island, including one underwater active Loihi, which also carries danger.
On the slopes of Mauna Loa there is a weather observatory that has been monitoring the volcano since 1912.
3
Arequipa. Peru
“White City” - the inhabitants of the Peruvian Arequipa are so affectionately called, since most of the buildings are built of white volcanic rocks.
The top of El Misti rises above a city of 1 million people. In 1868, Arequipa was almost destroyed by a strong earthquake, but hardworking residents rebuilt their city.
Volcanologists believe that if the giant El Misti wakes up, a cloud of ash will cover the city, and lava will flood the streets and squares. But the Peruvian volcano is one of the least active, and the last time disturbed residents in 1984.
4
Puerto de la Cruz. Spain
The beautiful Canary Islands are a paradise for tourists, but next to the popular beach and fishing town is the active volcano Teide.
The height of the mountain is 3,718 m and it is the highest point in Spain. In addition, the stratovolcano on the island of Tenerife is the highest point in the Atlantic. The last time disturbed the inhabitants of the Spanish island in 1909, but in 1706, the lava after the eruption reached the outskirts of the village of Garachico.
Volcanologists believe that Teide is one of the most potentially dangerous volcanoes in the world, and its eruption can bring major damage.
5
Legaspi. Philippines
Among the most beautiful beaches with black volcanic sand, tropical plants at the very foot of the Mayon volcano lies the Legazpi hill.
Climbers come here to climb the top of a dangerous mountain. Mayon is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. The beautiful, almost regular conical shape of the volcano in 2013 caused the death of five climbers during the eruption.
In 1984, the eruption was accompanied by a large emission of ash and smoke, and residents of nearby settlements were evacuated. In 2018, Mayon threw lava to a height of up to 700 m.
By the way, there is an interesting article on the largest volcanoes in the world on our site thebiggest.ru.
6
Santorini. Greece
The volcanic island in the Aegean Sea annually receives hundreds of thousands of tourists, and the last eruption of Santorin volcano was in 1950.
The danger is caused by the underwater volcano Colombo. Its eruption in 1650 caused a strong tsunami that flooded the coastal villages of the island.
Geologists, having studied volcanic rocks, found that a major volcanic eruption on the island of Thira occurred 3,600 years ago. It was this event that Plato described in his Dialogues, linking the eruption with the death of Atlantis.
7
Goma. Democratic Republic of the Congo
On the shores of the magnificent Lake Kivu in central Africa, there is the Nyiragongo volcano, and just 20 km from it lies the city of Goma.
The height of the African volcano is 3,500 m, and in its crater is a large lava lake. In 2002, it was lava that almost ruined the city when its streets were flooded with boiling liquid. Most of the buildings were damaged and the airport was destroyed.
147 people became victims of the disaster, and volcanologists and thebiggest.ru warn that the tragedy could happen again.
8
Yogyakarta. Indonesia
The Indonesian city on the island of Java is located directly at the foot of the volcano Merapi. This is one of the most active volcanoes in this part of the planet, and eruptions occur at intervals of 7-8 years.
In 1006, he had already caused the death of the entire medieval state of Mataram. Puffs of smoke constantly rise above Merapi, preventing the inhabitants of Yogyakarta from forgetting about the constant threat. Merapi tops the list of the most powerful volcanoes on the planet on our site thebiggest.ru.
Almost 400 thousand people live in Yogyakarta, and a quick evacuation can take a long time.
9
Kagoshima. Japan
Since 1955, the Sakurajima volcano has been in constant activity, preventing the residents of the Japanese town of Kagoshima from feeling calm.
In 1914, during a severe eruption, lava flows connected the volcanic island with the Osumi Peninsula, and the last major eruption was recorded in 2009.
The volcano is troubled, and residents are ready at any moment to leave their homes, so as not to become victims of lava flows and emissions of volcanic rocks.
10
Mexico City Mexico
The sleepless Popocatepetl constantly poses a threat to the capital of Mexico, where more than 20 million people live. This is the largest metropolitan area, located near the active volcano.
The Popocatepetl and the population of the neighboring cities of Mexico City of Puebla and Tlascala de Hicotencatl are disturbing. Emissions of ash and burning occur almost monthly, and a major eruption in 2012 forced some residents to evacuate to a safe distance.
The Mexican giant, despite the danger, is a popular attraction for climbers. Every year, groups of climbers climb to its top.
Summary
Residents of these cities are probably aware of the saying "live like a volcano", because at any time a natural disaster can force them to seek refuge from deadly lava, ashes and asphyxiating burns. For all the time of observation, only in the XX century the most powerful eruptions survived three cities. The capital of Martinique, the city of Saint-Pierre, ash and lava were covered in 1902. In 1985, it was partially destroyed, located in the Asian possessions of Great Britain. Powerful lava emissions in the same region of the planet in 1995 forced the inhabitants of Plymouth to leave their homes.
Posted by Valery Skiba