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Topic: TOP 10
Most Deadly Volcanic Eruptions
August 25, 2009
As horrible as it was, the Krakatoa eruption wasn’t the most deadly volcanic eruption ever recorded—only the second. Here are the Top 10:
10 Deadliest Volcanic Eruptions
| Rank | Volcano | Year | Deaths |
| 1. | Tambora, Indonesia | 1815 | 92,000 |
| 2. | Krakatau, Indonesia | 1883 | 36,417 |
| 3. | Mount Pelee, Martinique | 1902 | 29,025 |
| 4. | Ruiz, Colombia | 1985 | 25,000 |
| 5. | Unzen, Japan | 1792 | 14,300 |
| 6. | Laki, Iceland | 1783 | 9,350 |
| 7. | Kelut, Indonesia | 1919 | 5,110 |
| 8. | Galunggung, Indonesia | 1882 | 4,011 |
| 9. | Vesuvius, Italy | 1631 | 3,500 |
| 10. | Vesuvius, Italy | 79 | 3,360 |
Based on data in Volcanic Hazards: A Sourcebook on the Effects of Eruptions by Russell J. Blong (Academic Press, 1984).
Source: Volcano World, University of North Dakota.
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Hi Glenn,
I am always fascinated by the information you provide.
This piece was no exception. In looking at the top ten, number 4 is most interesting to me. I expected to see many devastating volcanoes from long ago but 1985 with 25,000 lost lives, wow. You would think with all of the advancement in technology, seismic being one, this should not and would not happen. It surely points out that prevention is key, but mother nature rules!
Thanks,
Tony