A New Inclusive Volcanic Risk Ranking, Part 2: Application to Latin America

Volcanic Risk Ranking (VRR) methods have been developed worldwide as a way to hierarchize the volcanic systems and help target strategies for risk reduction. Such hierarchization is especially important in areas characterized by large number of active volcanoes but limited resources. This case Latin America, where populations live nearby almost 300 volcanoes. Here we assess America with at least one eruption last 1,000 years based on VRR strategy presented companion paper that accounts 4 main factors: hazard, exposure, vulnerability resilience. Our results reveal that, among 123 analyzed, Santiaguito, Tacaná Fuego are those highest score 3-factor (H×E×V), while Ecuador, Marchena Santiago lowest score. Bárcena Pinta zero there no exposure. Although significantly contributes score, hazard exposure factors define American proposed VRR, resilience its reduction 4-factor strategy. In this regard, Arenal, Copahue, Villarrica, Ubinas, Irazú Poás place. Atitlán, Almolonga Tecuamburro [(H×E×V)/(Res+1)], combining moderate low resilience; Bárcena, Pinta, receive scores due or Tacaná, El Chichón Ceboruco high also stand out some few implemented; thus they intermediate VRR. Recognizing difficult mitigate reducing may depend hardly feasible relocation infrastructure already established communities, emphasize measures reduce increase should be promoted (e.g., creating redundancy/accessibility infrastructure, carrying assessment studies, implementing early warning systems, developing emergency plans promoting educational activities).