Major volcano threatening 90,000 people could erupt cause catastrophic damage in just 30 minutes
Scientists have expressed worried surrounding a major volcano threat in the United States, as it's devastating eruption could happen at any point and threaten the livelihoods of over 90,000 nearby residents.
Volcanoes are some of the most dangerous instances of natural disasters worldwide, as they can even occur underwater and beneath deep ice in the freezing cold of Antarctica.
Some of the most threatening volcanoes are found across the United States though, with scientists specifically highlighting the dangers of three seemingly 'unavoidable' eruptions.
There is one found in the Pacific Northwest that would be catastrophic if it did erupt though, putting the lives and homes of over 90,000 people under threat in just 30 minutes.
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As reported by the Daily Mail, Mt. Rainier near the Puyallup Valley in Edgewood, Washington is on the threat list where scientists indicate volcanoes that are at risk of eruption.
While eruptions are dangerous in their own right, Mt. Rainier's specific danger comes from it's capacity to create what's known as a 'lahar', which is a specific type of volcanic flow.
According to the City of Puyallap, lahars are devastating volcanic mudflows that can reach upwards of 100 feet in height and speeds of around 45 to 50 miles per hour, and will specifically flow down the Puyallup Valley onto the residents below.
The sheer volume and speed of this lahar would cause catastrophic damage and put the lives of all residents living in the area in significant risk, which is why major safety measures have been put in place.
The first, and perhaps most important of which is a 'lahar alarm' that will sound when the eruption begins, giving all residents ample time to evacuate the area.
Loud sounds and flashing lights ensure that the alarm is made clear, after which evacuees will follow designated routes to safety upon higher ground.
All 42 of these alarms are tested on the first Monday of every month to ensure that there's no issues when the time comes, and there's specifically a different sound that's played in the event of a lahar to ensure that everyone knows the severity of the situation.
According to the evacuation map, most areas within the Puyallup Valley will take under 30 minutes to reach safety, with some taking less than 15 minutes if you're in the right location.
However, some of the lower down spots within the region can take over an hour to evacuate, so the speed at which the alarm can signal and residents within these areas can react is essential.