When discussing potential volcanic eruptions and the risks that they represent to nearby communities, volcanologists have a wealth of examples from which to choose. No matter what the criteria, any ardent volcanologist is sorry to leave out favorite and fascinating examples. One approach is to reduce the number by selecting a few of the largest cities that will be most likely to experience severe consequences. And to further pare the number by describing the neighboring volcanoes about which the most is understood. And then to focus on several volcanoes that are still active. And especially to contrast those for which some mitigation strategies are already in place and those for which it will be very difficult to do so.

Mount Pinatubo’s eruption in 1991 is a recent example that stands out for several reasons: the event took place after a 500-year hiatus; the eruption occurred as the world watched; and a multi-national, multi-disciplinary team monitored the precursor behavior and helped predict the volcano’s progress. Effective visual communication and disaster-awareness materials were used in real time to help decision-makers communicate unwelcome but vitally important and realistic facts to the residents. Since the eruption, education programs undertaken in the Philippines have resulted in increased public awareness.