Merapi Eruption 2010

• Very high population density in the south, close to the volcano, 244 million population
• GDP 3094 USD, one of largest producers and exporters of agricultural products
• Located on boundary of Indo-Australian, Eurasian and Pacific plates, subduction occurs as Indo-Australian plate moves north
• Steep slopes suggests it is effusive and frequency of 1-5 years between eruptions so residents may have adapted
• Low cost of living and low taxes, rent for a two storey US 2545 a year, pull factor for staying here
• 40 million rely on agriculture, volcanic regions have some of the world's most fertile soil (due to ash)
• VEI 4, pyroclastic flows went in all directions down heavily populated mountainsides
• 367 killed, 277 injured, sulphur dioxide caused respiratory issues, 410,000 made refugees
• Overcrowded evacuation centres led to poor sanitation, no privacy and a serious risk of disease
• 130 million metres cubed of ash and pyroclastic flows destroyed crops and killed livestock
• Yogyakarta airport closed over 2 weeks, economic impact £450 million, £13 million from agriculture
• Acid rain caused by sulphur dioxide, Bronggang buried under 30cm of ash, infrastructure destroyed from lahars
• Villages on southern slopes at greatest risk encouraged to move to safe zones, sometimes getting financial help and land
• People living along river valleys used debris and volcanic material for rebuilding houses and facilities
• More than 60 volcanoes monitored by CVGHM