Medical Aspects of Volcanic Eruptions

Abstract

Volcanic eruptions are relatively rare occurring natural disasters. In the past century, there have been 27 volcanic eruptions resulting in fatalities worldwide. While most volcanic events have limited casualties, owing to advanced warning and preparedness in high-risk zones, eruptions may sometimes be sudden and occur in densely populated areas where mass casualties and mass fatalities can be catastrophic. The most lethal volcanic eruption in modern history occurred in Nevado del Ruiz, Columbia in 1985 killing over 23,000 and injuring over 10,000 (Fig. 5.1).