8 Places Where People Live Near Active Volcanoes

Tenzin Chodon

Bandung, Indonesia

Bandung is home to nearly 90 lakh people within 30km of active volcanoes. Tangkuban Parahu, known for its 'upturned boat' shape, is the most famous active volcano.

Clouds drift over Tangkuban Parahu | Shutterstock

Naples, Italy

Naples is close to several active volcanoes, including Campi Flegrei caldera and Vesuvius. Millions live in high-danger zones, making the city one of the world's most populated volcanic areas.

A sweeping cityscape of Naples | Shutterstock

San Salvador, El Salvador

San Salvador is surrounded by over 20 volcanic vents, including Ilopango and the San Salvador volcano. Regular seismic activity and the possibility of explosive eruptions threaten both residents and the local economy.

Ilopango Lake with the San Salvador Volcano rising beyond the water’s edge | Shutterstock

Manila, Philippines

Manila lies within 100km of the highly active Taal Volcano and the San Pablo Volcanic Field. Around 2.4 crore people remain exposed, making it one of the world’s largest populations living in high-risk volcanic zones.

Tagaytay’s iconic vantage point overlooking Taal Volcano | Shutterstock

Tokyo, Japan

Nearly three crore people in Tokyo live within 100km of active volcanoes, including Mount Fuji and Hakoneyama.

Mount Fuji dominating the Japanese landscape | Shutterstock

Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Goma is endangered by Mount Nyiragongo’s fast-moving lava flows. The city's proximity to the volcanic site make it one of the highest-risk urban areas for sudden disasters.

Mount Nyiragongo in eastern DR Congo | Shutterstock

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland is built on a monogenetic volcanic field containing over 50 vents. While eruptions are rare, the next vent could emerge anywhere within the city limits, threatening nearly 20 lakh people.

The volcanic cone of Auckland’s field | Shutterstock

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Guatemala City is surrounded by active volcanoes, such as Pacaya and Fuego. Ashfall frequently disrupts the capital's international airport and daily commerce.

Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala | Shutterstock

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