July 15, 2023
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By Sonakshi Kandhari Govind Kolady
Experience the immense power of nature and its profound impact on humanity as you explore these 8 earth-shattering volcanic eruptions in the world’s history.
The largest ever volcanic eruption that claimed 70,000 lives. It spewed 160 cubic kilometres of ash, rock and pumice, plunging many parts of the world into summerless abyss.
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The sound of this explosion was heard as far as 3,000 kilometres and global temperatures dropped, killing 36,000 people.
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The deadliest of the lot, this volcano was responsible for taking the lives of 6 million people. And with it came acid rain, famines and diseases.
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The largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century took with it villages and towns, adversely affecting crops and infrastructure. However, it did bring the benefit of temperature cooling.
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After 100 years of dormancy, this one exploded bringing with it a landslide. The destruction spread across 22,000 square kilometres. Beware, the volcano is still active.
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This one devastated Pompeii and Herculaneum, claiming 16,000 lives and destroying many Roman cities and towns. With the volcano still active, danger looms.
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The Minoan Civilisation was impacted by this one, a prominent volcanic event in antiquity. It wreaked havoc on the island of Crete and is mentioned in Greek mythology.
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Lasting for several days, this eruption took with it the city of Saint Pierre and the lives of 30,000 people. To date, this volcano is active.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons