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Economy and
Minimization of Hazards
Hazard to the economy
I. Ash on crops can
be extremely detrimental and potentially ruin the
harvest for the season. Eastern Washington, where most
of the ash will fall, is mainly agricultural and
therefore this hazard may be devastating. However, Mt.
Rainier tends not to produce much fall out and therefore
the effects will not be far reaching.
II. Mt Rainier
National Park's economy will be ruined....obviously...as
no one wants to visit a park with the volcano erupting
and the possibility of certain death...1.3 million
people visit this gorgeous park to hike and soak up the
scenery. Additionally, 10,000 people attempt to climb
the volcano with only 25% summiting. Perhaps if the
volcano blows its top off again, then the success rate
for those trying to reach the summit will become higher.
Melanie Appleby and
Rosemary Stirrup enjoying a day at Mt. Rainier
while standing by an old lava flow.
Joe Appleby and Ken
Stirrup pondering on the geological features around Mt.
Rainier. Unfortunately, if the volcano erupts, this
lovely science filled Sunday afternoon will no longer be
possible, and instead they might have to go bowling or
watch football.
A couple of leisurely hikers, Robert and Charline
Appleby, relax and enjoy the view that would be under
tephra and pyroclastic or Lahar flows if Mt. Rainier
goes bravo.
III. What is most
detrimental is the damage that a Lahar could cause. All
the major rivers down stream (about 40-80km away)
are damned. However, according to a USGS report, if
these reservoirs are drained, they could contain the
Lahars and floods
XIV.
If a damn breaks, then entire towns and cities could be
flooded. This would destroy the economy of that area not
too mention people's lives.
Ultimately, western
Washington is well developed and therefore will not be
hit as hard economically if a volcano erupts. A few
farms may be damaged, but fallout from Rainier tends not
to be wide spread. Therefore, except for perhaps some
disruption to daily life and omitting any damage that a
large Lahar could do to a city, Western Washington's
economy is safe.
Minimization of
Hazards
I. Drain the
reservoirs if it seems as if Rainier might be
experiencing an increase in Pheratic activity or
deformation is occurring.
II. Now that areas of
high risk for debris flows are known, development in
these areas can be limited.
III. Create emergency
plans for evacuation. Make sure there is more than one
road out of an area and that it avoids potential debris
flow paths.
IV. Buy a shovel so
that you can remove any ash that might fall on homes.
V. Learn about Mt.
Rainier! Don't think you can outsmart it. In a contest
between volcanoes and man, nature.always.wins...
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