Communication Demands of Volcanic Ashfall Events

Abstract

Volcanic ash is generated in explosive volcanic eruptions, dispersed by prevailing winds and may be deposited onto communities hundreds or even thousands of kilometres away. The wide geographic reach of ashfalls makes them the volcanic hazard most likely to affect the greatest numbers of people. However, forecasting how much ash will fall, where, and with what characteristics, is a major challenge. Varying social contexts, ashfall characteristics, and eruption durations create unique challenges in determining impacts, which are wide-ranging and often poorly understood. Consequently, a suite of communication strategies must be applied across a variety of different settings. Broadly speaking, the level of impact depends upon the amount of ash deposited and its characteristics (hazard), as well as the numbers and distribution of people and assets (exposure), and the ability of people and assets to cope with the ashfall (resilience and/or vulnerability). Greater knowledge of the likely impact can support mitigation actions, crisis planning, and emergency management activities. Careful, considered, and well-planned communication prior to, and during, 1 a volcanic ashfall crisis can substantially reduce physical, economic and psychosocial impacts. We describe the factors contributing to the complex communication environment associated with ashfall hazards, describe currently available information products and tools, and reflect on lessons from a range of case-study ashfall events. We discuss currently-available communication tools for the key sectors of public health, agriculture and critical infrastructure, and information demands created by ash clean-up operations. We conclude with reflections on the particular challenges posed by long-term eruptions and implications for recovery after ashfall.

Assessment of leachable elements in volcanic ashfall: a review and evaluation of a standardized protocol for ash hazard characterization

“…The workshop participants recommended a contact time of one hour, as a practical trade-off between sufficient time for release of readily-soluble elements versus the timesensitive nature of response to volcanic crises and demands for information (Stewart et al, 2018b). Very short contact times would likely be unworkable because subsequent steps such as filtration create processing bottlenecks which could, in turn, lead to inconsistent contact times.…”

“…Volcanic ash is produced by all explosive volcanic eruptions representing a frequent and often widespread volcanic hazard. During and following an eruption, there are often major concerns from the public, civil authorities and agricultural producers about the effects of volcanic ash on human and animal health, drinking water supplies, crops, soils and surface waters (Stewart et al, 2006;Wilson et al, 2012;Stewart et al, 2018b). Freshly erupted ash contains a range of soluble elements, which may be released at different rates upon contact with water or body fluids.…”

Health Impacts of Volcanic Activity in Oceania

“…Volcanic ashfall is generated by all explosive eruptions, dispersed by prevailing winds, and may be deposited on communities and farmland hundreds or even thousands of kilometers away. 6 The wide geographic reach of ashfalls, and sometimes also volcanic gases and aerosols, make them the volcanic hazard most likely to affect the greatest numbers of people. 7 Lahars (volcanic mudflows) can also affect areas further away (typically tens of kilometers) from volcanoes, as they travel down river systems.…”

The effectivity of community-based early warning system on reducing Semeru eruption impact post-eruption 2021

“…This is due to improved early warning after a disaster preparedness evaluation in 2021, which still needs to be improved. Increasing awareness of residents and village governments about the importance of the Early Warning System (EWS) at Semeru Volcano helps reduce the risk and impact of volcanic eruptions [17][18][19][20][21]. Therefore, this article will discuss the early warning system in the Disaster-Prone Area III of Semeru Volcano.…”