People assume that Singapore is safe from a volcanic eruption and tsunamis due to its geographical location. However, a new study and research into 466 lesser-known underwater volcanoes in the region proves that the island-state is at risk of tsunami and damage to infrastructure if rare volcanoes in the South China Sea erupt. Here’s what the 2024 report assessed:
Risk of volcanic eruption near Singapore
A recent study by Dr Andrew Verolino at NTU’s Earth Observatory of Singapore, published an investigation in Natural Hazards And Earth System Sciences in April, that highlighted how an undersea volcanic eruption could impact Singapore. The study mapped out 466 volcanic islands in the waters of Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
These volcanoes are often overlooked but could cause a large-scale geological event if they erupt according to researchers. Particularly, one volcano of concern in the study is KW-23612 located in the northern South China Sea. It indicates past explosive activity. Plus, its caldera is 7km wide and it sits only 200 metres below the sea surface.
For instance, if the undersea volcano erupts, a large volume of water could generate tsunamis along the Singapore coastline. This would damage beaches, boat traffic, and cause coastal flooding. In fact, this could be similar to the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Volcano Eruption which triggered tsunamis in places like Japan, Peru, Chile, and Russia.
Meanwhile, an eruption could cause volcanic ash to blow towards Singapore blanking the city which would disrupt air traffic, cause health issues, and affect daily life as seen during the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in The Philippines. Additionally, lava flows could damage undersea cables causing internet outages and damaging financial transactions.
Overall, undersea volcanoes near Singapore present a risk of tsunamis, damage to undersea cables and infrastructure, and ash fallout due to the volcanic eruption. The potential impact of a natural disaster is strongly highlighted in this investigation. Learn more about the NTU study.
SEE MORE: A Dangerous Black Spitting Cobra Was Spotted At This Singapore Park