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Volcano disaster highlights need for geohazard research and mitigation
21 January 2002
Major humanitarian crises such as Mount Nyiragongo could be averted by geohazard prediction and planning currently being undertaken by researchers at the Benfield Greig Hazard Research Centre at UCL, Europe's leading multidisciplinary academic hazard research centre.
The work of the centre concentrates on predicting volcanic eruptions by monitoring
a volcano's 'vital signs' such as gas emissions and seismic activity and disaster
management following major eruptions. The centre comprises three groups: Geological
Hazards, Meteorological and Space Hazards and Disaster Management and provides
a conduit for the transfer of cutting edge natural hazard and risk research,
practice and innovation from the academic environment to the business world
and government and international agencies.
Through the rapid application of new research and practice, the centre facilitates
the improvement of natural hazard and risk assessment and the reduction of exposure
to natural catastrophes.
Professor Bill McGuire, an
expert volcanologist and Director of the BGHRC, is available for expert comment
and interview.
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