Found along the edges of tectonic plates, volcanoes are dangerous land masses that release poisonous gases, boiling magma, and ashes upon explosion.
Long before, volcanic explosions were believed to be punishments from the Gods. But now, we already understand how the magma from the crater of the volcano is forced out of the earth’s crust. However, this doesn’t mean that explosions are now less devastating.
Here are 10 of the deadliest volcanoes that may possible explode and wreck communities:
1) Mt. Vesuvius, Italy
Dubbed as the destroyer of Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius remains to be one of the deadliest volcanoes on Earth, especially because there are about three million individuals living right next to it. It also sits right next to Phlegaean Fields, a place filled with boiling mud and sulfurous steam that is somewhat similar to Yellowstone. And just like Yellowstone, this volcano may not explode with all its might, otherwise, it will kill millions.
2) Sakurajima, Japan
Once located off the coast of Japan, Sakurajima was a dormant volcano for a century before it burst in 1914. By then, it spewed so much lava that it made a passage to the mainland. Kagoshima, a nearby city, is frightened about this beast and built volcano shelters. Sakurajima is among the only three volcanoes on the planet on level 3.
3) Mt. Merapi, Indonesia
Because of its constantly-flowing lava, Mt. Merapi is considered among the deadliest volcanoes. It last erupted in 2010 for two months straight, resulting in massive amounts of lava to affect more than 350,000 people and killing 353.
4) Ulawun, Papua New Guinea
Ulawun is one dangerous volcano that is at risk for slope failures. This means, its sides may collapse during an eruption and then cause landslides. Aside from that, it gives off 2% of the world’s sulfur dioxide, which makes it the stinkiest volcanoes in the world.
5) Taal Volcano, Philippines
Although it is a popular tourist destination, Taal Volcano has since erupted 33 times in the last 5 centuries, killing over 6,000 people. It is located about 31 miles away from Manila, the capital of the Philippines.
6) Mauna Loa, Hawaii, USA
When measured from the sea floor, Mauna Loa is somewhat taller than Mt. Everest. But, despite its size, this volcano is considered a threat with slow lava, constantly moving. And like Yellowstone, this can also cause potential massive destruction. In case the fault line around it collapses, it would cause a great tsunami that would reach Honolulu within 30 minutes.
7) Mt. Rainier, USA
Located about 54 miles away from Seattle, Mt. Rainier is a potentially deadly volcano. If it erupts, lava and ice might cause destruction in Washington and possibly unleash tsunamis.
8) Mt. Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of Congo
Home to a lake of lava, Nviragongo is an absolutely terrifying volcano. For 80 years, the lava lake has been there until it started developing cracks in the sides in 1977. As a result, lava spilled down the mountain, killing people at a speed of 60 mph.
9) Galeras, Colombia
While examining the crater of the Galeras volcano in Colombia in 1993, three tourists and six scientists were killed due to a sudden eruption. It has since been an active volcano.
10) Popocatépetl, Mexico
Situated about 40 miles from Mexico City, Popocatepetl has had 15 major eruptions in the last 5 centuries. So, anytime from now, a destructive eruption is possible.