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Few natural disasters capture human awe and fear like a volcanic eruption. Between 2000 and 2025, a series of eruptions across the globe caused widespread destruction and loss of life. These events, from Indonesia to Spain, remind us of nature’s unpredictability and the importance of readiness in volcanic zones. Below are the ten deadliest eruptions from this period and their devastating aftermaths.
1. Anak Krakatoa – Indonesia (2018)
This dramatic eruption triggered a partial collapse of the volcanic island, unleashing an underwater landslide and a deadly tsunami across the Sunda Strait. Coastal areas in Java and Sumatra were hit with little warning.
- Aftermath: Over 420 people died, more than 14,000 were injured, and thousands of homes were destroyed. The island’s shape was permanently altered.
2. Volcán de Fuego – Guatemala (2018)
A violent eruption expelled hot ash, gas, and rock down the volcano’s slopes, devastating villages like San Miguel Los Lotes. The sudden pyroclastic flows moved faster than residents could escape.
- Aftermath: Around 190 people died, many were never recovered. Hundreds were injured and entire communities buried under ash and debris.
3. Mount Merapi – Indonesia (2010)
Indonesia’s most active volcano erupted explosively, sending scorching gas clouds and ash into heavily populated areas in Central Java. The eruption lasted several weeks with multiple explosive phases.
- Aftermath: Approximately 353 people died, and nearly 280,000 had to be evacuated. Entire villages were leveled, and the region’s airspace was affected.
4. Mount Nyiragongo – Democratic Republic of Congo (2002)
This fast-flowing volcano sent lava rushing through the city of Goma with almost no warning. The eruption also caused a humanitarian crisis due to mass displacement.
- Aftermath: About 147 people lost their lives, 120,000 were left homeless, and large parts of Goma’s infrastructure were destroyed.
5. Mount Ontake – Japan (2014)
Hikers on Japan’s second-highest volcano were caught off guard when a phreatic eruption released a massive cloud of ash and gas. The eruption was sudden and unpredicted.
- Aftermath: 63 people died, most of them hikers near the summit. It became Japan’s deadliest volcanic event in almost a century.
6. Mount Semeru – Indonesia (2021)
Heavy rains destabilized a lava dome, triggering a violent eruption that sent pyroclastic flows down the slopes of Semeru. Several villages in East Java were buried.
- Aftermath: 69 deaths were confirmed, over 100 people were injured, and more than 10,000 residents were evacuated and displaced.
7. Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai – Tonga (2021–2022)
This powerful submarine eruption created one of the largest volcanic blasts of the 21st century. It generated a shockwave that circled the globe and tsunamis across the Pacific.
- Aftermath: At least 7 people were killed, including fatalities in Peru and Fiji. The explosion damaged communication cables and infrastructure, and the estimated damages were over $180 million.
8. Mount Sinabung – Indonesia (2014)
After being dormant for centuries, Sinabung erupted violently, sending ash and pyroclastic flows over nearby towns. The volcano continued erupting intermittently for years.
- Aftermath: 16 people died in the 2014 eruption, with additional fatalities in later events. Entire villages became ghost towns due to constant activity.
9. Mount Lewotobi Laki‑Laki – Indonesia (2024)
Explosive eruptions released towering ash plumes and pyroclastic flows, catching several villages by surprise. The region had limited evacuation infrastructure.
- Aftermath: 9 deaths were reported, and more than 10,000 people were displaced. Schools, homes, and infrastructure were badly affected across at least seven villages.
10. Tajogaite (Cumbre Vieja) – La Palma, Spain (2021)
This 85-day-long eruption covered large areas of the island in lava and ash, destroying farmland, roads, and homes. Lava reached the Atlantic Ocean, expanding the island’s shoreline.
- Aftermath: One person died from gas inhalation. Around 7,000 people were evacuated, and material losses exceeded €800 million, making it Spain’s costliest volcanic disaster.
These eruptions highlight the deadly potential of volcanoes, especially in regions with dense populations and limited evacuation options. While technology has improved early warning systems, volcanic activity remains one of nature’s most sudden and severe threats, reminding us that beneath our feet, the Earth is still very much alive.
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