The top 10 largest volcanic eruptions in the world, ranked by devastation

Volcanoes have been responsible for some of the most awe-inspiring and deadliest natural disasters in history, from the destruction of Pompeii by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD to the devastating eruption of Eyjafjallajokull in 2010.

There are more than 1,500 active volcanoes around the world, with one eruption occurring on average every week. But which of these eruptions are the most powerful?

Today, we have the ability to observe and measure volcanic eruptions with much more accuracy than in the past. Using the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) and the Dense Rock Equivalent Scale (DRE), we can compare the strength and destructive power of different volcanoes.

10. Mount St. Helens (1980) – VEI 5, DRE 0.5km³

Deaths: 57

In the morning of May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted explosively. Signs of magma movement had been observed for months prior, but the magnitude of the explosion still took many by surprise. The eruption produced blast winds of up to 1,080 km/h and devastated everything in a 600 km² radius within minutes, making it the most destructive volcanic eruption in U.S. history.

9. El Chichon (1982) – VEI 5, DRE 1.1km³

Estimated deaths: 1,900

El Chichon volcano in Chiapas, Mexico, erupted in 1982 after over 600 years of dormancy, catching many off guard. A deadly pyroclastic flow and sulfur dioxide emissions caused significant damage and casualties near the volcano.

8. Mount Hudson (1991) – VEI 5, DRE 1.6-2.7km³

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This massive eruption not only reduced Mount Tambora's elevation by a third, but also spewed huge amounts of ash and gas into the atmosphere, blocking out the sun.

In the long term, this led to massive food shortages worldwide, with 1816 becoming known as “the year without a summer.” It is estimated that at least 71,000 people ultimately died of starvation as a result of the eruption.

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