“Indonesia is home to some of the most active volcanoes in the world.

The Philippines also has many active volcanoes.

Even Laos can be affected by ashfall from volcanic eruptions in neighboring countries.

Volcanic hazards include:

✔ Ashfall

✔ Pyroclastic flows

✔ Lahars or volcanic mudflows

✔ Low visibility

✔ Breathing difficulties

Barriers During Eruptions

• Ash and mud clog wheelchair wheels
• Ash reduces visual contrast for people with low vision
• Sirens-only alerts exclude Deaf communities
• Overcrowded evacuation centers overstimulate neurodivergent individuals
• Air pollution creates serious risk for people with respiratory conditions

Volcanic disasters often involve multiple hazards at once—which means accessibility must be built into every step of preparedness.