Table 5.

Dangers from volcanic eruptions

Lava flows

Destroy everything in their path Risk of secondary fires

Pyroclastic flows

Horizontal blasts of gas containing ash and larger fragments in suspension Material can be 1000°C

Mudflows

Occur when heavy rain emulsifies ash and loose volcanic material Move slowly and predictably Limited direct risk to life Move at several hundred kph Speed and unpredictability of movement pose a considerable risk to life The mud, with a consistency of wet concrete, can reach speeds > 100 kph flowing downhill