Volcanic hazards in Indonesia: The 1982-83 eruption of Galunggung

Indonesia faces a perpetual volcanic-hazards problem of enormous proportions, exemplified by the 1982-83 eruption of Galunggung in West Java. Though moderate in size, this caused widespread destruction and a marked socio-economic impact on more than half a million people. The prolonged activity provided and opportunity for the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia to conduct systematic monitoring studies for the first time. The lessons learned from this study will be useful in developing mobile, rapid-response monitoring teams to meet future volcanic crises.