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Know the risk before you go
A volcanic eruption is when a vent in the earth opens up and spews lava, gases and debris above ground.
Volcanic eruptions can cause:
- lava and pyroclastic flows
- rock falls and landslides
- toxic gas clouds
- ash clouds
- flash flooding
- earthquakes and tsunamis.
Volcanic ash clouds can travel hundreds of kilometres. They cause flight cancellations weeks after the initial eruption. Volcanic ash can also make breathing hard and irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat.
Where and when volcanic eruptions happen
Most active volcanoes are in the 'ring of fire' surrounding the Pacific Ocean.
Countries where frequent volcanic activity is a risk include:
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- the Philippines
- United States of America, particularly Hawaii
Many more countries have active volcanoes. Before you go, read the travel advice for where you're going. If volcanic activity is a risk, we'll include it in the 'Safety' section under 'Extreme weather and natural disasters'.
Volcanic eruptions can be hard to predict and can happen without warning. Most countries with active volcanoes have an alert level system that tells you the risk of eruption. If you're going near an active volcano, find out its alert level.
Respect volcano alert levels and closures. Sudden eruptions can be fatal.
What to do if there's a volcanic eruption
Read our advice about what to do if there's a natural disaster. Follow that advice, as well as the following.
If you have time and it's safe to do so, consider leaving. Volcanic eruptions can cause flight cancellations for many weeks. Contact your airline as soon as possible.
If there's an eruption alert
A volcanic eruption nearby can be life-threatening. Act quickly if you learn an eruption is imminent or has already started.
Talk to your hotel manager, tour guide or local authorities. Listen to the radio and watch the news on TV or online.
Be informed
- Find out what the risk is to your location.
- Find out where the nearest evacuation shelter is. Listen for evacuation orders. If told to evacuate, do it early.
- Look outside. You're already at risk if you can see the eruption, ash or flying debris.
- Listen for disaster sirens. In some places, there may be a disaster siren or warning signal. Ask a local about it. Know the difference between warning and evacuation signals.
Be prepared
- Prepare your emergency supply kit and keep it close. Source protective items, like safety glasses and mouth coverings to protect against ash, debris and gases.
- Get extra water bottles. You'll need clean drinking water. Toxic gases and ash can contaminate water supplies.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots, high-tops or knee-highs to protect your feet, ankles and shins. Hot and toxic ash can fall and build like snow. You may have to walk through a deep layer of it.
During the eruption
- Stay inside. Falling ash and toxic fumes can be deadly. Shut all windows and doors. Place damp towels under doorways and tape over any gaps around windows.
- Listen to the authorities. Follow instructions from your hotel manager, tour guide or the authorities.
- Stay informed. Listen to local news. If you have internet, follow online news from official reporting services.
- Prepare for earthquakes. Volcanic activity can cause tremors. These can also cause landslides and mudslides. See our advice on earthquakes and landslides.
After the eruption
- Stay safe. Wait until authorities confirm it's over before leaving the safety of your shelter.
- Be cautious of water. The water supply may be tainted with ash and toxic substances. Don't shower or wash dishes or clothes with tap water until authorities confirm it's safe.
- Wear protective items. Be cautious, even if it looks like the air is safe. Protect your eyes and lungs from ash and airborne hazards. Wear sensible shoes that protect your feet and ankles from ash and other hazards.
- Stay informed. Continue to listen to weather updates and follow all advice from the emergency services.
- Stay in contact. Contact family and friends to let them know you're safe if you can.
Find out who to contact if you need help.
Volcano reporting services
- Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
- Pacific Disaster Centre - DisasterALERT (Global)
- Volcano Notification Service (USA)
- Volcano Hazards Program (USA)
- MAGMA (Indonesia)
- GeoNet (New Zealand)
- Japan Meteorological Agency (Japan)
- PHIVOLCS (Philippines)
- SafeTravel (Iceland)