Life in a volcano danger zone

Earlier this month, a volcanic eruption – which sent a plume of ash some ten kilometres into the sky – killed three people hiking up Mount Dukono in Indonesia. The tourists had climbed the mountain despite official warnings.

It’s the latest incident in recent years where tourists have been killed visiting an active volcano. In our conversations, we explore the attraction of volcanoes, as well as hearing about the extreme danger they can pose to visitors and those living nearby.

“I think it’s good in life to maybe do something that scares you and be humbled,” says photographer Demian in Hawaii. “[We] lose our ego for a moment and realise how small we are, and how big and strong these forces are.”

Volcano guides share their experiences, someone who has chosen to make his home on the slopes of an active volcano describes his view, and we find out what it’s like to be a lava chaser.

Presenter: James Reynolds
BBC producers: Iqra Farooq, Angela Sheeran and Beau Brown
Boffin Media producer: Richard Hollingham
Editors: Arja Haikonen and Harriet Oliver
A Boffin Media production in partnership with the BBC Outside Source team.

(Photo: Dukono Volcano eruptions aftermath, North Halmahera, Indonesia. Credit: Nizam/EPA/Shutterstock)