RE+-+Vol+Case+Studies

You should make sure you are familiar with the following three case studies:
 * Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of Congo - Poor Country
 * Montserrat, Caribbean - Poor Country
 * Mount St. Helens, USA - Rich Country


 * Key terms:**

Primary effects: the immediate effects of the eruption, caused directly by it Secondary effects: the after-effects that occur as an indirect effect of the eruption on a longer timescale Immediate responses: how people react as the diaster happens and in the immediate aftermath Long-term responses: later reactions that occur in the weeks, months and years after the event


 * __Nyiragongo__**

The video below contains more information on the primary and secondary effects of a volcano

On 17th January 2002 Nyiragongo volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was distruibed by the movement of plates along the East African Rift Valley. This led to lava spilling southwards in three streams.


 * The primary effects** - The speed of the lava reached 60kph which is especially fast. The lava flowed across the runway at Goma airport and through the town splitting it in half. The lava destroyed many homes as well as roads and water pipes, set off explosions in fuel stores and powerplants and killed 45 people


 * The secondary effects** - Half a million people fled from Goma into neighbouring Rwanda to escape the lava. They spent the nights sleeping on the streets of Gisenyi. Here, there was no shelter, electricity or clean water as the area could not cope with the influx. Diseases such as chlorea were a real risk. People were frightened of going back. However, looting was a problem in Goma and many reisdents returned within a week in hope of receiving aid.


 * Responses** - In the aftermath of the eruption, water had to be suppiled in tankers. Aid agencies, including Christian Aid and Oxfam, were involved in the distribution of foood, medicine and blankets.

media type="youtube" key="G79jq5-FZ7M?hl=en" height="344" width="425"

__**Mount St. Helens**__

Mount St. Helens is one of five volcanoes in the Cascade Range in Washington State, USA. The volcano erupted at 8:32am on 18th May 1980.


 * Effects** - An earthquake caused the biggest landslide ever recorded and the sideways blast of pulverised rock, glacier ice and ash wiped out all living things up to 27km north of the volcano. Trees were uprooted and 57 people died.


 * Immediate responses** - helicoptors were mobilised to search and rescue those in the vicinity of the catastrophic blast. Rescuing survivors was a priority, followed by emergency treatment in nearby towns. Air conditioning systems were cleaned after by clogged with ash and blokced roads were cleared. Two million masks were ordered to protect peoples lungs.


 * Long-term responses** - Buildings and bridges were rebuilt. Drains had to be cleared to prevent flooding. The forest which was damaged had to be replanted by the forest service. Roads were rebuilt to allow tourists to visit. Mount St. Helens is now a major tourist attraction with many visitor centres.

The slideshow below contains information on the both effects and responses to the volcano. media type="custom" key="9107042"