The Government must answer these questions if it is to alleviate concerns about volcano preparedness:
- How will an order to evacuate be broadcast?
- Will house to house visits take place to ensure everyone complies? Is there a plan for this? How long will it take?
- What is the plan to avoid a bottleneck on the leeward highway? I.e., if a single vehicle breaks down, it could stall the entire evacuation.
- Are there any cell towers in the eruption zone? What alternative communications are in place if the mobile network fails?
- What should farmers do with their livestock?
- What should families do with their pets? Will emergency shelters accommodate pets?
- Will any monetary assistance be made to evacuees? Has money been set aside in a fund for this purpose?
- An eruption could spew fine volcanic dust which can cause breathing difficulties, do authorities have a supply of respirator masks and eye protection?
- What happens if this volcanic dust interrupts flights, will we be dependent on sea for imports and travel?
- Have we contacted international partners (red cross, regional institutions, other countries like the UK / US) for planning assistance?