POMPEII

The potential reawakening of the Vesuvius super volcano, which obliterated the city of Pompeii, poses a significant threat to the nearby towns built near the mountain. To understand the consequences humanity would face if it were to awaken again, it's crucial to comprehend the impact of its eruption two thousand years ago on the ancient city.

Pompeii was a bustling city in the Roman Empire, situated merely five miles from Vesuvius on Italy's west coast. It served as a luxurious resort where affluent individuals sought relaxation. Its charming streets, beautiful villas, and decorative fountains made it a favored destination. The fertile soil surrounding the volcano facilitated the cultivation of olives and grapes, with Pompeii's produce being highly sought after throughout the empire.

At the time of the eruption in 79 CE, approximately 12,000 people resided in Pompeii, a substantial population for that era. The catastrophe commenced unexpectedly, as the ground trembled, birds fled, and an atmosphere of impending disaster filled the air. Vesuvius began spewing thick smoke, soot, and ash, obscuring the sky with a dense gray cloud over the city.

Gases, rocks, and hot ash erupted from the volcano, polluting the air and making breathing difficult for the locals. The heavy downpour mixed with ash and soot, causing roofs to collapse under the weight of the mud. Streets, fountains, alleys, and squares vanished beneath millions of tons of soot. The following day witnessed the relentless continuation of destruction.

An explosion of hot gas and crushed rock at the volcano's peak unleashed a devastating blast, racing in all directions at a speed of 100 miles per hour. This blast annihilated all trees in its path. When the wave reached Pompeii, it transformed the city into ruins. The eruption ceased on the second day, leaving Pompeii buried under a thick blanket of ash. This type of eruption is known as explosive, in contrast to the quieter eruption that occurs when lava flows from a volcano, causing fires.

Although Vesuvius last erupted in 1944, it remains one of the most perilous volcanoes globally. Surprisingly, approximately three million people reside within 20 miles of the crater, showing a lack of fear towards its potential awakening. Should the volcano erupt, it could lead to one of the most catastrophic events in modern history.

The destruction caused by the eruption of Pompeii almost two thousand years ago highlighted the limitations of human power against natural forces. An erupting super volcano has the potential to devastate its surroundings, triggering technogenic catastrophes in densely populated cities. Phone lines would become overloaded, hindering communication with loved ones and emergency services. Streets would witness massive traffic congestion, and panic would grip the population.

Fires would ignite due to falling hot soot, resulting in the cancellation of all flights and forcing locals to seek refuge in airports, supermarkets, and subways. The sun would be obscured by a large gray cloud, elevating temperatures in the air. In such a situation, a crucial aspect would be receiving advance warning of the impending eruption and preparing accordingly.

If caught outside during the disaster, seeking shelter in a car or building would be wise. It is advisable to procure a dust mask in advance to facilitate breathing freely. In the absence of a mask, using any cloth to cover the nose and mouth would provide some protection. When staying at home, it is essential to close all doors and windows tightly to prevent volcanic ash from entering, as these incandescent particles can ignite flammable materials like carpets and curtains.

Placing wet towels at the bottom of doors can further prevent ash infiltration. If venturing outdoors becomes necessary, wearing a full-body covering suit is recommended, along with special glasses that offer dust protection for the eyes. It is crucial to keep the mask handy and readily accessible. For homeowners, disconnecting downpipes from gutters and rainwater collection systems can prevent clogging and damage to the water supply.

Additionally, filling the bathtub and sink with water ensures a reserve for washing and cleaning if the central water supply is shut off. Setting the lowest temperature on the fridge and freezer extends the lifespan of stored food in case of power outages. Seeking refuge in a windowless room above ground level and staying tuned to radio or TV broadcasts from authorities would be prudent.

An excellent survival option during an ash apocalypse would involve staying informed about evacuation plans and following instructions from rescuers. Assembling a bag of essential supplies, including food, water, medical necessities, flares, maps, a first aid kit, sleeping bags, flashlights, a fire extinguisher, a portable phone charger, car tools, and charged batteries is crucial. Keeping a filled gasoline canister is particularly important for those residing near active volcanoes.

During evacuations, it is advisable to adhere to designated routes, as some roads may be blocked. Authorities may announce the end of the eruption, allowing residents to return home, or the eruption could be so severe that the city is destroyed regardless. Being prepared minimizes concerns and uncertainties.

Thanks to modern seismic sensors monitoring tectonic plate movements and volcano activity, a volcanic eruption is less likely to catch us off guard. While Pompeii stands as a poignant reminder of the horrors and devastation caused by volcanic eruptions, harmony eventually returns to nature. Over the course of decades and centuries, the fertile volcanic ash settles onto the soil, rejuvenating it and nurturing the resurgence of life, akin to the mythical phoenix rising from the ashes.