Can Volcanoes be Controlled? Possible or Not?

Every natural disaster has its impact. In the case of volcanoes, the impact is very complex when an eruption occurs. The question is, can volcanoes be controlled so their impact is reduced? To answer it, we need to know various natural conditions, such as magma activity, new magma injection, and tectonic plates movement.

Can Volcanoes be Controlled? 

Volcanoes are natural phenomena, so all of their activities can’t be intervened by humans. All of its activities cannot be controlled or reduced because they all occur naturally. Despite can’t be controlled, they still need to be monitored to detect whether have the potential to cause a disaster or not.

The disaster which is caused by volcanic activity is an eruption. The level of risk from volcanic eruption varies, depending on the triggering activity. Mitigation programs can be carried out to reduce the impact of volcanic eruptions.

Mitigation Program of Volcanoes

In the fact that volcanoes cannot be controlled because the trigger is the earth's geological cycle, the impacts can be reduced through disaster mitigation programs. Mitigation is an action to reduce risk. In the case of natural disasters, mitigation programs include actions before, during, and after a disaster, so it is very detailed and systematic.

1. Monitoring

In this modern era, various systems have developed using high-end technology. One of its applications is disaster monitoring. This monitoring is the initial stage in disaster mitigation and aims to collect and analyze data to detect the volcanic activity changes that have the potential to push an eruption. The results of this monitoring are a source of accurate information which needed to give an early warning.

In terms of volcanic disaster mitigation, there are several monitoring methods, namely seismic activity (volcanic earthquakes), surface deformation (changes in the shape of the mountain), volcanic gas emitted, crater temperature, and changes in hydrothermal activity.

2. Risk Mapping and Identification

Mitigation programs taken before a disaster include mapping disaster-prone areas and identifying the emergence of lava, hot clouds, and pyroclastic flows (a mix of hot gas and volcanic material, such as ash, rocks, and debris, which flows rapidly down the slopes of a volcano).

3. Socialization and Education

Socialization and education are important points that should not be ignored and need to be totally implemented. Both of these efforts are the obligation of all parties, especially the government to protect the community from various disaster risks.

Socialization regarding volcanic activity and the impact of its eruption needs to be provided periodically and evenly. After socialization, education on how to deal with volcanic disasters must be provided effectively through disaster management simulations in the form of actions that must be taken before, during, and after an eruption.

4. Early Warning System

Early warning systems are included in the disaster mitigation series. Its purpose is to help the community to be alert in facing disasters and reduce the impacts that occur. Of course, early warnings are given before a disaster occurs.

This system works according to the information received whether there is a signal that a disaster will occur or not. The source of information that is used as a reference in early warnings is the results of monitoring volcanic activity and its analysis.

5. Evacuation and Repair

Mitigation actions taken after a disaster are evacuation and repair. Evacuation is carried out according to established procedures and is carried out through designated evacuation routes. After evacuation, actions taken after a disaster are repairs from various aspects, including health, social, economic, and public facilities.

Can volcanoes be controlled? The answer is no. We can’t control volcanic activity because it occurs by natural factors. Based on this fact, a government role is needed to execute the mitigation program. In this program, important to complete with early warning system.

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