Smarter Volcano Risk Decisions with DisasterAWARE’s Global Intelligence

Jonathan Miller
Jonathan Miller
June 25, 2025
Smarter Volcano Risk Decisions with DisasterAWARE’s Global Intelligence

Volcanic eruptions present serious risks to people, businesses, and infrastructure worldwide. Around one billion people live within 150 km of active volcanoes, highlighting the need for reliable, continuous monitoring. Major eruptions like Mount Pinatubo (1991) and Eyjafjallajökull (2010) caused billions in economic losses and disrupted global operations.

DisasterAWARE® delivers an integrated, real-time solution for volcano surveillance and impact analysis, helping safeguard lives, assets, and supply chains from unexpected volcanic threats.

Volcanic eruptions present

Situational Awareness Products

DisasterAWARE® continuously monitors volcano activity globally, integrating data from volcano observatories, Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAACs), and advanced analytics. When a threat emerges, the system generates a Hazard Brief that provides:

  • Volcano location, alert status, and severity level
  • Current and forecast volcanic ash clouds affecting aviation routes
  • Exposure areas showing at-risk populations and infrastructure
  • Assessment of critical facilities such as airports, hospitals, and transportation routes

This clear, visual information enables fast, confident decision-making in crisis situations.

Hazard Severity Calculation

Volcano threats are classified into three severity levels based on global standards:

  • Warning: Eruption imminent or underway with significant risk
  • Watch: Minor eruption or increased unrest posing moderate threat
  • Advisory: Low-risk activity or return to a non-eruptive state

These levels help organizations prioritize responses and mitigate operational disruption.

Notification and Exposure Areas

DisasterAWARE’s SmartAlert™ allows users to define custom alert areas for volcano threats. Notifications are triggered based on selected regions and severity levels, ensuring alerts are relevant to your operational interests.

The system also maps exposure zones, estimating populations and key infrastructure within hazard areas—enabling quick assessment of risks to people, facilities, and supply routes.

Additional Data Layers

Volcano density maps

To enhance risk analysis, DisasterAWARE® provides:

  • Volcanic ash cloud forecasts (6, 12, 18 hours) and VAAC advisories
  • Real-time exposure and SmartAlert™ zones
  • Historical eruption records, including eruption type, VEI, and duration
  • Volcano density maps reflecting past eruption activity over 10,000 years

These layers offer critical context for both immediate response and long-term preparedness.

Data as a Service API

DisasterAWARE’s DaaS API delivers real-time volcano hazard data for seamless integration into client platforms. API features include:

  • SmartAlerts and exposure area details
  • Ash cloud extent and forecast data
  • Hazard severity and authoritative source references
  • Exposure estimates for populations and infrastructure

Organizations can leverage this intelligence to enhance operational resilience and ensure proactive risk management.

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