Abstract / Description of output
Protection against the consequences of Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDCs)
is almost impossible due to their high velocity, temperature, sediment load
and mobility. PDCs therefore present a challenge for volcanic crisis
management in that specific precautionary actions, essentially evacuations,
are required to reduce loss of life. In terms of crisis communication for PDC
hazards, there are three challenging questions that arise in terms of reducing
risk to life, infrastructure and livelihoods. (1) How do we accurately
communicate the hazardous zones related to potential PDC inundation?
The areas exposed to PDC hazard are difficult to assess and to map. In terms
of risk/crisis management, the areas considered at risk are usually those that
were affected by PDCs during previous eruptive episodes (decades or
centuries ago). In case of “larger-than-normal” eruptions, the underestimation
of the hazard zone may lead to refusals to evacuate in the “newly”
threatened area. Another difficulty in assessing the PDC hazard zones relate
to their transport processes that allow surmounting of the topography and in
some cases across the surface of water. Therefore warning systems must be
able to cover vast areas in a minimum of time. (2) How do we efficiently warn
people in time? PDCs are extremely mobile and fast. It is therefore necessary
to raise the alert early enough before the onset of the first PDCs.
A challenging question in terms of crisis communication is related to the type of tools used by the local authorities, modern and traditional tools both
of which have advantages and disadvantages. (3) Why are people reluctant
to evacuate? Local inhabitants can be reluctant to evacuate during a crisis
if traditional warning signs or signals they are familiar with are lacking, if
they don’t receive both traditional and official warning, and because they
may lose their livelihoods. Thus a deeper understanding of the at‐risk
communities and efficient dissemination of information are key issues in
order to reduce vulnerability in PDC hazard regions.
is almost impossible due to their high velocity, temperature, sediment load
and mobility. PDCs therefore present a challenge for volcanic crisis
management in that specific precautionary actions, essentially evacuations,
are required to reduce loss of life. In terms of crisis communication for PDC
hazards, there are three challenging questions that arise in terms of reducing
risk to life, infrastructure and livelihoods. (1) How do we accurately
communicate the hazardous zones related to potential PDC inundation?
The areas exposed to PDC hazard are difficult to assess and to map. In terms
of risk/crisis management, the areas considered at risk are usually those that
were affected by PDCs during previous eruptive episodes (decades or
centuries ago). In case of “larger-than-normal” eruptions, the underestimation
of the hazard zone may lead to refusals to evacuate in the “newly”
threatened area. Another difficulty in assessing the PDC hazard zones relate
to their transport processes that allow surmounting of the topography and in
some cases across the surface of water. Therefore warning systems must be
able to cover vast areas in a minimum of time. (2) How do we efficiently warn
people in time? PDCs are extremely mobile and fast. It is therefore necessary
to raise the alert early enough before the onset of the first PDCs.
A challenging question in terms of crisis communication is related to the type of tools used by the local authorities, modern and traditional tools both
of which have advantages and disadvantages. (3) Why are people reluctant
to evacuate? Local inhabitants can be reluctant to evacuate during a crisis
if traditional warning signs or signals they are familiar with are lacking, if
they don’t receive both traditional and official warning, and because they
may lose their livelihoods. Thus a deeper understanding of the at‐risk
communities and efficient dissemination of information are key issues in
order to reduce vulnerability in PDC hazard regions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Advances in Volcanology |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 26 May 2017 |