With reference to 2 volcanic events you have studied, from contrasting areas of the world. Compare the ways in which their impacts have been managed (10)

With reference to 2 volcanic events you have studied, from contrasting areas of the world. Compare the ways in which their impacts have been managed (10)

In the past few decades, there have been several volcanic events that have occurred and the way their impacts have been managed have differed around the globe.

The eruption of Mt. Nyiragongo, Congo, January 2002 had killed 147 people and over 350,000 people had fled the area. The local authorities initial response was to initiate a 'red alert'. This enabled Goma and the surrounding area to be evacuated and the prompt response was one of the key factors in keeping the death toll relatively low. 

The eruption of Mt. Etna in Sicily also took place in the same year as the eruption of Mt. Nyiragongo but the death toll was less than half of Congo- at 77 confirmed deaths. Although government intervention is rare, a significant early intervention did occur by the authorities. Initial attempts at halting lava flows via hastily constructed earth barriers on the approach to the town, proved to be unsuccessful. 

Two days after the eruption in Goma, humanitarian aid was provided by the United Nations. Emergency rations were initially provided, this included high energy foods like chocolates and biscuits and it was only later that more substantial food were given to local people (maize, beans, cooking oil) as communication and transport accessibility to affected areas had improved. 

However, unlike Nyiragongo, Etna has had a long history of people living nearby the mountains and consequently have gained much experience of managing the impacts. As a result, no humanitarian aid was provided by overseas agencies. 

To disrupt and redirect the lava flow, explosives were detonated near the source of the lava to break up the very efficient 'lava tube system' which was guiding the lava for some 7km down slope. None of Etna's slopes were damaged however there was some damage to the agriculture and tourism in nearby area. The Italian government had pledged immediate financial assistance of £5.6 million and tax-breaks for three months for all of the villagers. 

In Congo, however, the financial situation was not quite the same, The UN had estimated the cost of providing food, clean water, shelter, medical attention and blankets to be about $15 million.

An even higher cost was incurred to Goma's infrastructure, rebuilding homes and livelihoods. The lava flows had destroyed many businesses resulting in massive increases in unemployment in the area. So, though they had received aid from overseas, they consequently had a much harder time getting back on their feet than Sicily- and this, to a great extent, is largely due to their lack of management and awareness during the time of the eruption.