The Seven Largest Volcanic Eruptions in Recent Centuries

The Largest Volcanic Eruptions in the Last Five Centuries

The infographic summarizes a Medium article by Ben Kageyama, “The Seven Deadliest Volcanic Eruptions in the Last Five Centuries.” In his article, he lists up seven catastrophic volcanic activities that caused massive casualties. The seven largest volcanic eruptions mentioned are as follows.

• Kelud
• Lakagigar
• Mount Unzen
• Mount Tembora
• Krakatoa
• Mount Pelée
• Nevado del Ruiz

Ben summarizes the largest volcanic eruptions focusing on the number of casualties due to the eruptions, along with the aftermaths of the events.

Volcanoes Both Benefit and Threaten Humans

As Ben rightly states in his article, “Mother Earth is as beautiful as she is frightening.”

Born in Pakistan and having lived in Japan, I have been somewhat familiar with volcanoes. Although I have never visited the site, Koh-i-Sultan is well-known as the youngest and dormant volcano in Pakistan. The volcano blesses the area with abundant natural resources, such as sulfur, coal, and marble.

Japan brought volcanoes even closer to my life. One of my favorite places in Japan, Mount Hakone, had a small phreatic eruption in 2015. Although it was a small activity, the mountain remained shut for a while as toxic gas and steam kept billowing out. Hakone otherwise is one of the tourist attractions both for the Japanese and for foreigners. The volcano blesses us with pleasant hot springs as well as scenic view of the active volcano.

Recently, Mount Etna in Italy erupted. I came across a footage on the Internet that captured the eruption right above the crater. The video was magnificent, thanks to the drone technology. The technology certainly helps us enjoy the show, but we must not forget awe of nature.

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