Volcanoes are not just natural wonders but also potent forces of nature. They are formed when molten rock, ash, and gases escape from an opening in the Earth’s crust, often causing spectacular eruptions. While many are dormant or extinct, a number of these geological formations are very much active and pose significant risks to nearby populations, infrastructure, and the environment. Here, we explore some of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, considering their history of activity, potential for destruction, and proximity to populated areas.
#10. Mount Merapi, Indonesia
Indonesia is a hotspot for volcanic activity, and Mount Merapi stands as one of the most active and dangerous in the country. It is located on the island of Java, near the densely populated city of Yogyakarta, which makes any eruption potentially catastrophic. Merapi has a history of frequent, explosive activity and has claimed many lives over the years, most recently in its 2010 eruption. Its high level of continuous monitoring and its regular emissions of ash and lava make it a permanent threat to the surrounding communities.
#9. Popocatépetl, Mexico
Just 70 kilometers (43 miles) away from Mexico City, Popocatépetl is an active stratovolcano and one of Mexico’s most active. The volcano’s proximity to the capital city and more than 20 million people puts a vast population at risk should a major eruption occur. Popocatépetl, affectionately known as “Popo,” has erupted multiple times in the 20th and 21st centuries, prompting authorities to maintain a watchful eye and to regularly prepare evacuation plans for nearby communities.
#8. Ulawun, Papua New Guinea
Ulawun, also known as the “Father,” is part of the Bismarck volcanic arc and has been named one of the decade’s volcanoes by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior due to its history of large, violent eruptions. Being one of the most active volcanoes in Papua New Guinea, it poses a constant threat to the flights over the island as well as to the local population. The last significant eruption occurred in 2019, leading to the evacuation of nearby residents.
#7. Mt. Vesuvius, Italy
Perhaps one of the most famous volcanoes in the world, Mount Vesuvius’ infamy is owed to its catastrophic eruption in 79 AD that buried the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Located near Naples, Vesuvius is the only volcano on the European mainland to have erupted within the last hundred years, and it looms over the lives of 3 million people, making it one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. It is also considered one of the most monitored volcanoes, with constant surveillance intended to pre-empt any major disaster.
#6. Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Nyiragongo is infamous for its extremely fluid lava that flows like water when it erupts. This fast-moving lava poses one of the greatest hazards to the populations living in its shadow, particularly the city of Goma that lies only about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the crater. The volcanic activity beneath Nyiragongo is extensive and unique, featuring an ongoing volcanic eruption in its lava lake that could potentially release catastrophic lava flows with little warning.
#5. Mount Rainier, United States
Mount Rainier stands as an iconic backdrop to the Seattle-Tacoma area in the state of Washington. Despite its picturesque appearance, it is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the United States due to its huge amount of glacial ice and the potential for massive lahars—volcanic mudflows that could devastate the heavily populated areas downstream. Rainier has not erupted since the 19th century, but the potential for future activity remains high.
#4. Taal Volcano, Philippines
Taal Volcano sits on an island in the middle of a lake on Luzon Island in the Philippines. It is one of the country’s most active and dangerous volcanoes. Its eruption in January 2020 was a sharp reminder of its destructive potential, causing the displacement of tens of thousands of people. Taal’s proximity to metropolitan areas, including the capital city of Manila, puts millions at risk should it experience a major eruption.
#3. Galeras, Colombia
Galeras has been an active volcano for at least a million years. Located near the city of Pasto and with over 450,000 residents, Galeras poses an immediate danger to those living around it. It has erupted frequently since the Spanish conquest, with its most recent eruptions occurring in the early 21st century. Due to its recent activity and the nearby population, it is constantly monitored by Colombian authorities.
#2. Sakurajima, Japan
Japan’s Sakurajima volcano is one of the most active and dangerous in the world. Located on the island of Kyushu, it erupts frequently, sending ash plumes thousands of meters into the sky. The city of Kagoshima, with a population of over 600,000, sits just a few kilometers from the volcano, and residents are well-versed in cleaning ashfall from their streets. Sakurajima’s current activity patterns suggest that a large-scale eruption is possible at any time.
#1. Mount Kilauea, United States
Kilauea, situated in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii, is the most active of the Hawaiian volcanoes and is typically non-explosive; however, its eruptions bring the danger of fast-moving lava flows, which have destroyed nearby towns, including Kalapana in 1990. It has been erupting continuously since 1983, creating new land but also displacing residents and destroying infrastructure. Kilauea’s eruptions have made it one of the most closely studied and monitored volcanoes on Earth.
In conclusion, these volcanoes are awe-inspiring, yet they are reminders of Earth’s immense power. The communities living near these geological giants are constantly adjusting to the threats they pose. Thankfully, advances in volcanic monitoring enable early detection of warning signs of eruptions, providing critical time for evacuation when necessary. However, as history has shown, the power of nature often surpasses the best-prepared plans, making these volcanoes inherently dangerous and deserving of the respect of all who live in their shadows.