What are the dangers of living near a volcano?

Lava, fragments and ash clouds from volcanoes all pose dangers to nearby residents and their property. Hot lava from effusive volcanoes can kill people and burn plants and buildings. Rock and material fragments that spew from eruptive volcanoes travels many miles, which may result in impact-related deaths and destruction.

Ash clouds full of chemicals and ash that hover over nearby towns for hours or days after an eruption. Toxic chemicals contribute to many health problems. The number of people who die each year from volcanic eruptions steadily increases, as densely populated areas force more residents to live near volcano flanks.