Study warns volcanic myths and media sensationalism hinder crisis management

A study published in the Journal of Applied Volcanology warns that dramatic myths and sensationalized media portrayals of volcanic activity can hinder effective crisis management. Researchers argue that focusing on the most spectacular or catastrophic scenarios—such as mega-tsunamis crossing the Atlantic or imminent massive eruptions—can lead to public panic or cause people to misjudge actual risks.

Volcanologist Rebecca Williams notes that these misconceptions can cause existing dangers to be either overestimated or underestimated. The study highlights how simplified or dramatized depictions often gain the appearance of fact. As an example, the researchers point to the 2021 Tajogaite eruption on La Palma, where claims circulated that a flank collapse would trigger a mega-tsunami affecting the Atlantic coasts.