Is it possible for us to endure a volcanic eruption like the one that destroyed Pompeii in current times?

The Vesuvius supervolcano, which obliterated the city of Pompeii, is not a fictional story or an imagined scenario. It has the potential to awaken again and annihilate other towns constructed near the mountain, and it is crucial to recognize the possible repercussions for humanity if this were to occur. Therefore, comprehending the effects of the past eruption on the ancient city of Pompeii is necessary. Pompeii was a prosperous metropolis in the Roman Empire situated just five miles away from Vesuvius on the west coast of Italy.

Pompeii was an opulent retreat where affluent and prominent individuals would relax. They strolled along charming streets, resided in exquisite villas, and enjoyed themselves beside fountains. The surrounding earth was fertile due to the abundance of beneficial components in the ground near the volcano. Pompeii's olives and grapes were marketed throughout the empire, indicating its significance in that era. Although Pompeii's population of roughly 12,000 during the eruption might not seem significant by contemporary standards, it was a major city in those times.

The calamity began unexpectedly in 79 CE, and everyone felt the ground shake at first. The birds flew away from the volcano as far as they could, and there was a sense of unease in the air. Vesuvius started emitting dense smoke, soot, and ash, which soon enveloped the city in a thick gray cloud. The volcano spewed out hot ash and gaseous rocks that polluted the air, making it hard for people to breathe. The locals couldn't see beyond the gray haze, and it soon began pouring heavily. The rainwater mixed with ash and soot, blanketing Pompeii under millions of tons of debris, causing house roofs to collapse under the weight of the mud. The streets, fountains, alleys, and squares vanished under the layers of ash.

On the following day, the devastation persisted with even greater intensity. At the summit of the mountain, there was a hot gas and fragmented rock explosion that sent a destructive wave rushing outwards at a velocity of 100 miles per hour, destroying all the trees in its path. When the wave reached Pompeii, it reduced the city to rubble.

The eruption eventually ceased on the second day, leaving the city beneath a thick layer of ash. This type of volcanic eruption is known as explosive, whereas a quiet eruption occurs when lava flows out of a volcano and causes fire. Despite its last eruption being in 1944, Vesuvius remains one of the most perilous volcanoes globally, and its potential reawakening would be catastrophic. Over three million people live in the area surrounding the volcano, situated roughly 20 miles from its crater.

The destruction of Pompeii occurred almost 2,000 years ago, and since then, science and technology have significantly advanced. However, humans remain helpless against the forces of nature. An erupting supervolcano has the capacity to destroy the environment surrounding it and cause technological disasters in urban areas. The phone lines would be overloaded, leading to difficulties in contacting loved ones and rescue services. Traffic jams would ensue on the roads, and panic would spread throughout the streets. Fires would ignite due to falling hot soot, and all flights would be canceled. The locals would have to seek refuge in airports, supermarkets, and subway stations. The sun would be obscured by a large gray cloud, causing the air to become hot. In such a scenario, the only solution would be to have prior knowledge and adequate preparation. If one is caught outdoors during the disaster, it is advisable to take shelter in a car or building. If a mask is not available, one can cover their nose and mouth with any piece of cloth. If indoors, it is crucial to shut all doors and windows to prevent volcanic ash from entering the premises. These incandescent particles can easily ignite a carpet or curtains, so wet towels should be placed under the door sills. If there is a need to go outside, a full-body covering should be worn, along with protective glasses and a mask.

To prepare for an ash apocalypse, homeowners should take several precautions. First, it's important to disconnect the downpipes from gutters to prevent clogging from the hot, dense mess of ash and rain that could easily break the water supply system. If your home has a rainwater collection system, disconnect the pipes from the tank as well. Fill your tub and sink with water for washing and cleaning, and if the central water supply is turned off, set the lowest temperature on your fridge and freezer to store food longer. In the event of a power outage, go to a room without windows above ground level with a device that has a full charge, strong body, and powerful antenna. Finally, in the case of an intensifying eruption, it's crucial to remain calm and follow instructions from rescuers. Prepare a bag with food, water, and medical supplies in case of evacuation.

Make sure to include flares, maps, and a first aid kit in your emergency kit. Other essential items to pack include sleeping bags, flashlights, a fire extinguisher, a portable phone charger, car tools, and several fully charged batteries. It's also important to have a full canister of gasoline, but if you live near an active volcano, it's not recommended to go to the gas station during an eruption. During an evacuation, you may face long traffic jams, so if you don't have a car, consider asking friends for help or paying for a ride. The city administration may also organize buses for evacuation, which will be announced on the radio. Before leaving your home, make sure to turn off gas and electrical devices and shut off the valve with the water supply to prevent gas leaks or flooding. If you're driving, stick to the designated evacuation route and do not go off it, as some roads may be blocked. It's possible that authorities may announce that the eruption is over and it's safe to return home, but if the eruption is strong, it could still destroy the city. To minimize worries, it's important to be prepared. Fortunately, modern seismic sensors can monitor tectonic plate fluctuations and volcano activity, so eruptions should not come as a surprise. The destruction of Pompeii in AD 79 is not the only catastrophic eruption in history. In 1785, a similar disaster occurred in Japan when the town of Aogashima, located in the crater of an active volcano, was destroyed by an eruption that caught the residents off guard.

The volcano erupted, spewing dirt and large, red-hot stones into the sky, resembling a meteor shower. People were forced to evacuate and the mountain continued to erupt for several weeks. When the ash finally settled, the volcano went dormant again, and people began returning to their city, despite the risk of another eruption. Today, more than 200 years later, people still live and work there. The situation is monitored by meteorological and seismological services to keep everyone safe. Although a volcanic eruption causes destruction and devastation, harmony is eventually restored in nature, and the soil becomes rich and fertile due to the volcanic ash. Life can rise again from the ashes, just like the mythical phoenix. That concludes today's discussion.