Volcanic eruptions have shaped human history with their devastating power, wiping out entire cities and altering global climates. Here are some of the deadliest volcanic disasters ever recorded.
The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius (79 AD)
One of the most infamous volcanic eruptions in history, Mount Vesuvius buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under layers of ash and pumice. Thousands perished instantly, their bodies preserved in eerie detail for centuries.
The 1815 Mount Tambora Catastrophe
The eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia was the most powerful in recorded history. It ejected so much ash into the atmosphere that 1816 became known as the "Year Without a Summer," causing widespread famine and climate disruption.
Krakatoa's 1883 Explosion
The 1883 eruption of Krakatoa was heard thousands of miles away and generated tsunamis that killed over 36,000 people. The explosion was so violent it destroyed most of the island itself.
More Recent Disasters
In 1902, Mount Pelée on Martinique erupted, killing nearly 30,000 in the city of Saint-Pierre within minutes. More recently, the 1985 Nevado del Ruiz eruption in Colombia claimed over 23,000 lives through deadly mudflows.
These events remind us of nature's awesome power and our vulnerability to geological forces beyond our control.
