S03 - Multi-Hazard and Risk in Volcanic Settings: Past Efforts, Recent Crises, and the Road from Assessment to Risk Management
Annalisa Cappello, INGV Sezione Osservatorio Etneo,
Antonio Colombi, DPC – Servizio Rischio Vulcanico,
Laura Sandri, INGV Sezione Bologna,
Eugenio Privitera, INGV Sezione Osservatorio Etneo,
The session addresses the transition from multi-hazard assessment to risk management in volcanic settings, where lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, ash fallout, ballistic ejecta, lahars and volcano-tectonic earthquakes may occur simultaneously or in rapid succession, producing cumulative, cascading and interacting impacts and, in some cases, coupling with non-volcanic hazards such as wildfires. We invite contributions that advance strategies for modelling volcanic hazards within risk and multi-risk frameworks, improve the identification and characterization of exposed and vulnerable elements, and strengthen vulnerability and risk assessment under interacting hazards, with the aim of translating hazard information into integrated risk estimates that support preparedness and mitigation. A core focus is risk management and crisis communication during periods of unrest and eruptive crises in which populations may face temporary or permanent evacuation with major social and economic consequences, particularly in densely populated areas. The session examines the roles of civil protection authorities at different levels and their collaboration with scientific institutions to ensure effective monitoring during prolonged unrest and to communicate evolving hazards to decision-makers, stakeholders and the public. It highlights lessons learned from past efforts and recent crises, including field interactions between scientists and civil protection agencies, and welcomes contributions that critically discuss operational tools for risk management and communication, such as risk scenarios and alert levels, to strengthen preparedness and response capacity for future events.