Here are the 10 Most Violent and Deadly Volcanic Eruptions in History

The world's active volcanoes contain magma that can erupt at any time. This magma erupts along with other materials, such as rocks, pyroclastic flows, and others.

Volcanic eruptions also impact the lives of surrounding residents. Many people have had to evacuate due to life-threatening eruptions. According to Oregon State University, there have been ten of the most devastating volcanic eruptions in history, resulting in the highest number of fatalities. Four of these occurred in Indonesia.

Below are ten volcanic eruptions that resulted in the highest number of fatalities worldwide.

1. Mount Tambora, Indonesia: 92,000 deaths (1815)
2. Mount Krakatoa, Indonesia: 36,417 deaths (1883)
3. Mount Pelée, Martinique: 29,025 deaths (1902)
4. Mount Ruiz, Colombia: 25,000 deaths (1985)
5. Mount Unzen, Japan: 14,300 deaths (1792)
6. Laki volcano, Iceland: 9,350 deaths (1783)
7. Mount Kelud, Indonesia: 5,110 deaths (1919)
8. Mount Galunggung, Indonesia: 4,011 deaths (1881)
9. Mount Vesuvius, Italy: 3,500 deaths (1631)
10. Mount Vesuvius, Italy: 3,360 deaths (79 AD)

Of the ten most devastating and deadly volcanic eruptions in the world, four are located in Indonesia: Mount Tambora, Mount Krakatoa, Mount Kelud, and Mount Galunggung. The high death toll following the eruption of Mount Tambora was caused by famine. Meanwhile, the deaths following the eruption of Mount Krakatoa were caused by the volcanic tsunami triggered by the eruption.

(Read More: The United States Has the Highest Number of Volcanoes in the World, How About Indonesia?)