10 Deadliest Volcanic Eruptions

The Andean stratovolcano Nevado Del Ruiz or Mount Ruiz is located in Colombia’s Caldas Department that falls within the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’. Although this volcanic cone had been active since the early Pleistocene epoch, its 1985 eruption and the subsequent mudflow were phenomenal and sufficient to wipe out the very existence of Armero. The October 1985 disaster that measured 3 in the Volcanic Explosive Index came as a shock since Mt. Ruiz had been inactive for 150 years.

However, it was followed by considerable pre-eruption like emission of fumaroles as well as post-eruption activities. The magma that came out with the eruptions was studies and found to be enriched in sulfur dioxide. Even now, the threat of future tectonic eruptions looms large upon the city of Manizales, situated precariously close to the fatal Mt. Ruiz. LINK