1715–1716 eruption of Mount Broadshaw

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1715–1716 eruption of Mount Broadshaw

Top: Mount Broadshaw erupts on 1.III.1716 AN. Bottom: Map showing the location of Mount Broadshaw in the Region of New Luthoria.
Magnitude	5.8 Mw
Epicentre	under Mount Broadshaw
Areas affected	New Luthoria, Nouvelle Alexandrie
Casualties	1,327 dead 122 missing 2,644 people injured

The 1715-1716 eruption of Mount Broadshaw is a volcanic eruption in progress in Nouvelle Alexandrie that began on 13.XIV.1715 AN with a series of small micrasquakes and reports of small lava flows at the crater of Mount Broadshaw, in the island of Skerryvore, in the Region of New Luthoria. Initially, the eruption started out as normal activity, in consideration to its activating eruption in 1701 AN, with small lava flows and occasional quakes, usually below 4.5M_w in magnitude at most.

The eruption has continued as a low-grade build up of magma under Mount Broadshaw in the ensuing time, leading to a 5.1M_w magnitude micrasquake on 23.II.1716 AN that led to a plume of ash and smoke from Mount Broadshaw and to heightened activity all around the volcano. This quake caused some historic buildings to collapse in New Luthoria City, killing 13 people and injuring 89.

The quake on 23.II.1716 AN was followed by aftershocks in the ensuing days, but a larger 5.8 M_w micrasquake struck on 1.III.1716 AN. The quake caused the lava dome in Mount Broadshaw to collapse, triggering a massive eruption that sent superheated ash and smoke rising over 40,000 feet (12,000 m) in the air. At least two pyroclastic flows occurred at 05:13 and 10:00 local time, but did not travel far from the crater. Three smaller eruptions followed after the large initial eruption, triggering two more pyroclastic flows at 19:36 and 21:55 local time. On 8.III.1716 AN, at 10:22 local time, a 6.1Mw micrasquake and several pyroclastic flows were reported. Smoke was seen rising 500-1,000 meters above the crater. This triggered the final, climactic eruption of Mount Broadshaw, which began at 01:11 local time on 10.III.1716 AN. It caused numerous major earthquakes due to the collapse of the summit and the creation of a caldera 2.5 km (1.6 mi) in diameter, reducing the peak of Mount Broadshaw from 1,745 m (5,725 ft) to 1,385 m (4,544 ft). All the seismographs close to the Mount Broadshaw Volcanic Observatory and in XI Military Base had been rendered completely inoperative by 14:30 local time, mostly by super-massive pyroclastic surges. Intense atmospheric pressure variations were also recorded regionally.

On the same day of the final eruption, a large but localized and very intense low-pressure wind system locally named Diding struck the island, with its center passing about 75 km (47 mi) north of the volcano. The typhoon rains mostly obscured the eruption, but measurements showed that ash was ejected to a height of 34 km (21 mi) by the most violent phase of the eruption, which lasted about four hours. Pyroclastic surges poured from the summit, reaching as far as 16 km (9.9 mi) away from their origin point. Typhoon rains and flooding, mixed with the ash deposits, caused a messy rain of mud and massive lahars. The earthquakes from the eruptions shook the cities of Rochefort, New Luthoria City, and Pharos intensely, being felt also in the nearby islands and cities such as Chiron. The superheated ash also created fires across many wooden structures predominant in the poorer neighborhoods of major cities like New Luthoria City, Rochefort, and Pharos. Damage to crops and livestock, loss of tourism revenue, and disruptions to transportation and trade cannot be fully calculated yet, but is considered to be extensive.

Since the start of the eruption, 1,327 people have died, 122 are missing, and 2,644 people injured.

Background

Mount Broadshaw is a stratovolcano located in the New Alexandrian Region of New Luthoria. Historically, Mount Broadshaw was considered "dormant", with its last eruption dated tens of thousands of years ago during the initial formation of the Skerry Isles. It is the highest mountain in the island of Skerryvore. Prior to its 1701 AN eruption, it was regularly climbed by tourists, usually starting from the village of Boussia to the north. Without guides and extensive equipment, the climb can be extremely dangerous and challenging. In 1690 AN, three climbers died from inhaling poisonous gases while hiking on Mount Broadshaw.

Past eruptions

On 1.VI.1701 AN, Mount Broadshaw erupted for the first time in recorded history. The episode of eruptive volcanic activity started when lava flows emerged from fissure vents in the summit caldera. The eruption ended after more than two weeks. The eruption resulted in no recorded injuries or fatalities. While it did threaten nearby villages and settlements, as well as the cross-island highway, it did not result in the major property damage. At least 12 people died, 28 more were injured.

Eruption

Mount Broadshaw, with the affected area shaded in sky blue lines.

Eruption of 1.III.1716 AN. Viewed from the south.

Early warnings

• Small quakes and rumblings from the mountain throughout 1714 AN, 1715 AN
• Mount Broadshaw Volcanic Observatory scientists start to notice mountain is swelling up, build up of magma, send reports to regional, local, and federal authorities
• Early measures enacted by regional and local authorities

Timeline

Date	Description
1.III.1716 AN	The eruption began at 04:02 local time, ejecting a cloud of volcanic ash 40,000 feet (12,000 m) into the air. The collapse of the unstable lava dome due to a 5.8Mw micrasquake. Three smaller eruptions followed within a 24-hour period after the large initial eruption. Pyroclastic flows were reported throughout the day up to four or five times, never going too far from the crater.
2.III.1716 AN	At least two pyroclastic flows occurred at 04:13 and 11:00 local time. These flows were much smaller than the ones on 1.III, hence also did not travel far from the crater. Lava flows increased out of the crater, higher amounts of ash blanketing areas around Mount Broadshaw.
3.III.1716 AN	A smaller eruption occurred on the morning of 3.III, at 07:18 local time. The eruption triggered pyroclastic flows and lava flows that travelled 2.5 km down the summit. Rescuers were forced to suspend their missions in the village of Boussia due to the continued episodes of eruptions.
4.III.1716 AN	On 4.III, at 03:19 local time, an eruption column was observed climbing at least 1,000 meters above the summit. The second and third eruptions occurred at 04:44 and 06:54 respectively, reaching a similar height of 1,000 meters.
5.III.1716 AN	On 5.III, at 00:01 local time, Mount Broadshaw erupted with the height of the ash column observed reaching 500 meters above the summit.
6.III.1716 AN	Smoke was seen rising several hundred meters above the summit vent.
7.III.1716 AN	Mount Broadshaw produced one eruption and two pyroclastic flows.
8.III.1716 AN	On 8.III, at 10:22 local time, a 6.1Mw micrasquake and several pyroclastic flows were reported. Smoke was seen rising 500-1,000 meters above the crater. The earthquake shook the cities of Rochefort, New Luthoria City, and Pharos intensely, being felt also in the nearby islands and cities such as Chiron.
9.III.1716 AN	On 9.III, at 5:50 local time, recovery missions were suddenly interrupted when pyroclastic flows traveled 5.5 km towards Rochefort.
10.III.1716 AN	On 10.III, at 4:33 local time, the volcano erupted, sending into the air a column of ash 2 km high.
11.III.1716 AN	On 11.III, at 01:11 local time, Mount Broadshaw generated an eruption column rising 1.5 km above the summit crater.

Response

Government preparations

As predictions from seismologists in the employ of the Federal Geological Service grew ever more dire over the course of late 1715 AN, the Federal Government was obliged to begin preparing for contingencies against the possibility of a full-scale eruption exceeding the ability of local authorities to manage.

On the authority of the President of the Council, Maximilian de Almagro, a resident of Beaufort in North Lyrica, and previously an Intendant of Cargo & Customs for the Apollonian Directorate of the Honourable Company, was seconded in the second month of 1716 AN to the Department of National Mobilisation. Upon his appointment he was immediately despatched to New Luthoria to coordinate the pan-governmental Federal and regional contingency preparations. Senor de Almagro received plenipotentiary powers for the duration of his appointment was charged to report directly to the Council of State regarding all matters pertaining to emergency preparedness. Interior Secretary Seydlitz dispatched the Undersecretary for Public Safety, Risk Resilience and Emergency Management, as well as Assistant Secretary for Islas de la Libertad and New Luthoria to serve as principal deputies.

The government continued to monitor the seismic activity around Mount Broadshaw but allowed regional and state authorities to continue with taking the lead in initial preparations.

In addition to local preparations, the decision was made to temporarily withdraw military aviation assets from the island of Skerryvore, with immediate effect from the second month of 1716 AN and until further notice.

As a precaution, all five Military Emergencies Units of the Federal Guards Service have been activated. Within a week of activation they were deployed to Pharos to establish a forward operating base. The Keltian Fleet of the Federal Navy was also been instructed to dispatch any available logistical support and auxiliary vessels into the Skerry Isles to be on hand if a larger humanitarian mission is required.

Federal Forces garrisoned on the island, including Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Federal Guards Service, were subordinated, in all matters pertaining to the rendering of aid to the civil power, and until further notice, to the Plenipotentiary Official of the Department of National Mobilisation, as recently appointed by the President of the Council.

Regional government response

The government of the Region of New Luthoria and local authorities have urged residents to keep a distance of at least 5 km away from the main summit crater since the 1701 eruption of Mount Broadshaw, enforced by local and regional law enforcement, with support of the Federal Gendarmerie and the Federal Home Guard. Individuals have been prohibited from approaching 1 km or closer to the crater since 1701 AN. Since the eruption of 1701, both the Region of New Luthoria and local authorities have maintained the Mount Broadshaw Volcanic Observatory and its efforts to monitor and study Mount Broadshaw.

At the advice of the Federal Geological Service grew dire throughout 1715 AN, the Region of New Luthoria directed mayors and local chief executives to convene their disaster risk reduction and management councils and instantly activate their incident management teams, network operations centers, and other disaster response teams. Relief plans have been activated and teams are on the ground with the assistance of the federal government.

The Region of New Luthoria has provided displaced residents with meals in ready-to-eat packs, blankets, mattresses, masks, and refugee trailers in an effort to assist displaced residents. Medical supplies, water, and instant food were also supplied to affected residents. It is estimated that 380 million ecu was utilised in providing aid.

Federal government response

Federal and international contingents arriving on the island were staged to the MEU forward operating base at Pharos to allow for the consolidation of aid and the familiarisation of incoming personnel with the conditions of the island following the eruption. Command and control for the relief mission was to be coordinated through Maximilian de Almagro, the Plenipotentiary Official of the Department of National Mobilisation, and the island divided into sectors assigned to the various Federal and international contingents.

Rescue and recovery

Initial efforts by search and rescue teams to conduct operations in the southern portion of the island were reported to be hindered by pyroclastic surges cutting through the main roads across the interior. This threat necessitated a greater reliance on helicopters and maritime assets for mobility and evacuation efforts.

Aviation assets operating in support of relief operations, as of IV.1716, included:

• Javelin H-2 Siren x40 (Federal Forces of Nouvelle Alexandrie)
• Javelin H-5 Sovereign x11 (Imperial Constancian Armed Forces)
• S50 Transport x8 (chartered by Hurmu Peace Corps)

Aftermath

International response

•  Raspur Pact: Raspur Pact Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Center aided in coordination of efforts, assisted by Keltia Command of the Raspur Pact.

•  Benacian Union: The Red Orchid Society was directed to organise shipments of humanitarian aid for the island and to assemble teams of volunteers to participate in search and rescue missions and general relief efforts.
•  Constancia: The Imperial Constancian Navy flotilla detailed to Zylenisí Command set sail on 24.II.1716 to provide military aid to the civil power and to undertake humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and non-combatant evacuation operations. 840 personnel (7 Moira/Squadrons) of the Merarhia Pezonauton (Marine Division), alongside elements of the 3e Demi-Brigade de Légion Étrangère, 1er Brigade de Légion Étrangère (Alexandrian Guards) of the Imperial Constancian Foreign Legion deployed to provide onshore security and provide necessary manpower. Javelin H-5 Sovereign units provided passenger transport and airlift capability.
  • KP Shahzamin, Rhodondra-class amphibious assault ship - served as floating hospital and heliport and provided freshwater
  • KP Ilion, Andronikos-class Auxiliary Cruiser
  • KP Oréstis, Andronikos-class Auxiliary Cruiser

6th Control and Warning Station of the Imperial Constancian Air Force, at Mirran, Zylenisí, served as auxiliary air traffic control for the sector and provided Notices to Airmen.

•  Eastern Natopia: The government of Eastern Natopia has offered assistance and aid to Nouvelle Alexandrie, in particular the use of search and rescue vessels and personnel.

•  ESB Group: On direction of the Chairman, the Corporate Seafaring Transportation Service dispatched Doctor Ernst Cryptsinger, Clemency-class hospital ship, administratively attached to the Imperial Constancian Navy flotilla. Superabundance Foods dispatched adequate supply of High Energy Meat Substitute tins. Imperial Constancian Airways Corporation provided free chartered evacuation flights from Zylenisí airport, paid for by the ESB Foundation. ESB Foundation also provided an initial € 10 million New Alexandrian écu to the Government of the Region of New Luthoria.

•  Floria: The Florian government swiftly responded in a favourable manner to the request for transport and search and rescue assets for immediate deployment to New Luthoria in the immediate aftermath of the major eruption.
•  Hurmu: At the instigation of the Prime Minister, Patrik Djupvik, the Minister of Policing and Security, Leila Adalani Djupvik, was tasked with mobilising the forces of Hurmu to conduct a significant humanitarian mission. The initial offer made to the New Alexandrian government was for the following units to be deployed to New Luthoria as a Hurmudan contribution to the emergency disaster response:
  •  Hurmu Peace Corps
    • 98th Field Engineering Regiment (Vesüha)
    • 90th Medical Regiment (Niš)
    • 140th Air Transport Regiment (Kaupang International Airport)
    • 144th Helicopter Transport Regiment (Southern District)
  •  Hurmu Constabulary
    • Air Support (Volunteer) Unit (Vesüha)
    • Maritime Support Unit (Vesüha)
    • Volunteers, Dogs Unit (Vesüha)
    • Volunteers, 1st Division, Special Auxiliary Constabulary (Lake District)
•  Lac Glacei: The government of Lac Glacei authorized the immediate deployment of the Royal Navy to assist in the evacuation of the Skerry Isles and to drop off humanitarian relief such as medical supplies. Two full battalions are also being placed at the disposal of New Alexandria to assist as search and rescue personnel.
•  Western Natopia: The government of Western Natopia has offered assistance and aid to Nouvelle Alexandrie, in particular the use of search and rescue vessels and personnel.
•  Cakaristan: The damage in Çakari East Skerries is not severe. The Shahanshah offers help through its informal contacts with Nouvelle Alexandrie. This leads to a hospital ship being sent with large supplies of rice. After the outbrake of the Sanpo-Çakar War, relief efforts are hampered. Therefore, Vörpóazde is used as a base of operations.

See also

• Mount Broadshaw.