What to do before, during, and after volcanic eruption?

As we all know, a volcano is a land form that has crater or vent where the magma or molten rock, pieces of hot solid rock, and hot gases are formed inside the Earth when the upper crust or the lower crust melts.

When that magma or molten rocks burst out through its crater, we call it lava and that happens during a Volcanic Eruption– one of the natural disasters that people are afraid to encounter.

Thus, there are early warning signs when the volcano is about to erupt, this might be the rumbling sounds, continuous emissions of steam, increasing temperature around the volcano that results to withering of plants around and unusual behaviors of animals and earthquakes.

People who lives near a volcano must be aware that a volcanic eruption will bring so much danger to them. So, it is important to know what to do before, during and after volcanic eruption.

What to do before volcanic eruptions:

1. Each one should be aware of the dangers that volcanic eruptions pose to lives and be prepared to face whatever circumstances the eruption may bring.
2. Prepare all the necessary things to bring once evacuation is needed.
3. Store as much food, water, light sources and batteries that are very useful in case of emergency.
4. Prepare masks to cover nose and mouth for the ash falls of the volcano.
5. Safety of the kids first before anything else.

What to do during volcanic eruptions:

1. Avoid low-lying places because lava flows, and mud flows are more likely to pass here.
2. Seek cover in case of ash falls and rock falls and use masks to cover your nose and mouth and to avoid breathing in the ashes.
3. If inside the house, close all doors and windows to avoid letting in the ashes.
4. Always stay indoors and watch for your kids, they might be tempted to go out.
5. Stay in the evacuation center and wait for further instructions and do not leave until said so.

What to do after volcanic eruptions:

1. Go back to your house but leave your kids with someone who can take care of them while you check your house.
2. When in your house, clean everything and check if there’s damages incurred. Use masks when cleaning.
3. Wait for further announcements related to volcano activities.
4. Make sure that your house is still safe for all of you.

Specific tips for Travelers:

1. Don’t panic, you won’t be cool if you’re panic

There is no better time to stay cool other than when you are anticipating an event like a volcanic eruption. Staying cool will help you survive because you will be able to think rationally. For those who don’t know, most parts of Bali are still safe, just avoid East Bali area only (radius 12 km from Mount). Disaster mitigation officials and a network of sirens are on standby near the Mountain’s foothills to immediately advise the public and provide assistance if there is any sudden change in the alert status of the volcano. Immigration officer giving services. They have a special counter to handle the immigration. So for those who are overstay and wants to exit other then Ngurah Rai will be assisted. Think clearly, read the situation, and plan your next acts.

2. Pay attention to reliable media only

Do not believe everything shared on social media, particularly those coming from unreliable source. Conversely, avoid sharing unverified information which is potentially going to make public panic, especially when you haven’t read the information yourself. If you want to get updated, pay attention the reliable media only, such as reputable newspaper—online or offline, television, or radio.

3. Contact your airline provider

In case you need it, here’s some of airlines Bali office contact number:
Bali International Airport Ngurah Rai: +62 361 75 10 11
Air Asia: +62 804 1333 333
Air France: +62-361-289225
Air New Zealand: +62-361-756-170
Bali Qantas Airways: +62-361-289281
AWAIR: +62-361-750-666
British Airways: +62-361-288511
Cathay Pacific Airways: +62-361-286001
China Airlines: +62-361-754856
Continental Airlines: +62-361-287-775
Eva Air: +62-361-756-448
Garuda Indonesia: +62-361-283-354
JAL : +62-361-287-577
Lion Air: 0361-9351-011
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: +62-361-753-950
Lufthansa: +62-361-287-069
Malaysia Airlines: +62-361-288-716
Thai Airways International: +62-361-288-141
Singapore Airlines: +62-361-768-383

4. Always bring a pack of mask and sunglasses with you-and wear it

Inhaled, the tiny, glassy pyroclastic materials of the volcanic eruption will affect your respiratory system. To avoid such problem, always bring a pack of masks with you. And don’t forget to wear it because it wouldn’t help much if only stayed in your bag. Never hesitate to share spare masks to people who still haven’t got one. Sunglasses will be useful too as the volcanic ash may reach your eyes.

5. Do not ride recklessly, because the road might be slippery

Since the pyroclastic materials of the volcano are fine-grained, the road covered by them will be slippery. (And no one will bother to put “the road is slippery” sign.) It’s going to be like you are riding or driving on a wet dirt road. Besides, the rainy season has come. The volcanic ash showered by the rain will be way more slippery. Therefore, it is advisable for you to lose your accelerator a little bit and drive slowly. Speed recommendation is 55 km/hr.

References:

Encyclopedia of Questions and Answers: Earth and Space Science

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-causes-a-volcano-to/

http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/what039s-difference-between-magma-and-lava-and-where-do-these-terms-come

https://knoji.com/precautionary-measures-before-during-and-after-volcanic-eruptions

https://www.baligolive.com/articles/mount-agung-safety-tips-travellers/