These 11 Cities Are Extremely Close to Active Volcanoes
Some cities just happen to exist uncomfortably close to volcanoes. That kind of proximity affects routines, infrastructure, and how people think about risk. Scientists surveil shifting ground and rising gases, while residents live with the possibility that normal might suddenly change. Here are a few cities where the volcano nearby is part of daily life.
Naples, Italy
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Boxed in between Mount Vesuvius and the Campi Flegrei caldera, this densely populated area faces danger on two fronts. Steam vents and sulfur emissions still rise near neighborhoods built over the Campi’s massive underground system. Vesuvius, though quiet now, is a threat, which is why the three million residents of Naples rely on constant geological monitoring and updated emergency protocols.
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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An eruption in Yogyakarta killed around 300 people in 2010 and displaced tens of thousands. Past events have buried entire villages. Still, tourists visit to see cooled lava fields, smoking ridges, and remnants of past occurrences that reshaped entire communities. Residents continue farming on Merapi’s nutrient-rich slopes, often within designated hazard zones, despite warnings and repeated evacuations.
Santorini, Greece
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More than 3,000 years ago, an eruption reshaped this island and left behind a massive caldera. Today, experts keep an eye on the Santorini volcano system, including Kolumbo, a submarine volcano just northeast of the island. Kolumbo last showed volcanic activity in 1650 and could create tsunamis if it erupts again.
Catania, Sicily
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On Sicily’s eastern coast, residents live in full view of Mount Etna. It is one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, but the locals proceed with their lives under its shadow. Meanwhile, Catania is constantly growing with homes and public buildings built using dark volcanic stone.
Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo
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In 2021, a sudden eruption sent lava into Goma’s outskirts, destroying thousands of homes and forcing residents to flee. A similar incident in 2002 displaced over 100,000 people. Goma remains on high alert, with evacuation plans in place. Emergency teams face tight timeframes for response, as Nyiragongo gives little warning before a tragedy.
Hilo, Hawaii, USA
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Hilo is a city exposed to constant geological activity. Kīlauea has gone off repeatedly since 2021, though most lava flows have been confined to its crater. Hilo is at risk from Mauna Loa, which last erupted in 1984 and came within four miles of the city limits.
Reykjavik, Iceland
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In Reykjavik, tracking volcanic threats across southern Iceland is a priority for emergency agencies. The government operates a national alert system, shares live updates with residents, and uses satellites, gas sensors, and seismic stations to check up on volcanoes like Katla and Hekla.
Arequipa, Peru
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El Misti rises 11 miles from the city and plays a central role in how Arequipa prepares for natural disasters. Though it hasn’t had any action since the 1980s, scientists continue to observe it due to its active history. Not far off, Sabancaya remains far more active, regularly releasing gas and triggering local tremors.
Auckland, New Zealand
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Beneath the surface of Auckland lies a volcanic field made up of over 50 eruption points. The latest eruption, around 600 years ago, created Rangitoto Island. Auckland sits directly atop the still-active field, meaning a new discharge could occur within city limits.
Shimabara, Japan
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The deadliest volcanic disaster in Japan began near Shimabara in 1792, when an eruption triggered a landslide that crashed into the sea and caused a massive tsunami. Nearly 15,000 people died in the aftermath, many in nearby coastal towns. For this reason, Japan’s Meteorological Agency watches the area closely.
Seattle, Washington, USA
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Mount Rainier is located southeast of the metro area in Seattle and ranks among the top closely watched volcanoes in the U.S. Its glacial covering could create destructive lahars if even a moderate eruption occurs.
Vancouver, Canada
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Watching Mount Baker for signs of activity is a shared responsibility between Canadian and U.S. agencies. Though located in Washington State, the volcano sits only 80 miles from Vancouver and poses potential challenges to surrounding regions. After renewed steam activity a couple of years ago, both governments agreed to coordinate monitoring, data sharing, and emergency planning.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA
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Near the edge of Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole is close to one of the world’s largest volcanic systems. The Yellowstone Caldera remains active, but experts say the chances of a catastrophic eruption are extremely low. Data from GPS, gas sensors, and seismic readings show no signs of the pressure buildup needed for a large event.
Legazpi, Philippines
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Mayon’s steep slopes and open views bring thousands of tourists to the Legazpi region each year, even with the danger. The volcano is located outside the city and has flared up about 50 times. In 2018, close to 70,000 people were evacuated after a major incident. PHIVOLCS supervises Mayon daily, tracking tremors, gas levels, and lava activity.