Natural Disasters in Indonesia and the Ring of Fire

In 2018, Indonesia faced numerous natural disasters due to its location on the Ring of Fire, a zone with high seismic activity. This area, stretching 40,000 kilometers around the Pacific Ocean, is home to most of the world's active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes. Significant events included eruptions of Mount Mayon in the Philippines and Kilauea in Hawaii, as well as a devastating earthquake and tsunami in Sulawesi, Indonesia. These incidents have heightened fears of a major earthquake, though scientists note such activity is not unusual for the region.

Why is Indonesia particularly prone to natural disasters?

• It is an island nation.

• It has a large population.

• It has a tropical climate.

• It is located on the Ring of Fire.

What is the Ring of Fire?

• A chain of mountains in Asia.

• A famous tourist destination.

• A large desert area.

• A region with frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

Which of the following countries is NOT part of the Ring of Fire?

• Brazil

• Philippines

• Japan

• New Zealand

What natural disaster occurred in the Philippines in January 2018?

• A massive earthquake

• A volcanic eruption

• A tsunami

• A hurricane

How many homes were destroyed by the Kilauea volcano eruption in Hawaii?

• Over 700

• Over 600

• Over 500

• Over 800

What was the height of the waves that hit Sulawesi, Indonesia during the tsunami?

• Up to 7 meters

• Up to 6 meters

• Up to 5 meters

• Up to 4 meters

How many people died in the Sulawesi disaster?

• More than 2,000

• More than 3,000

• More than 1,000

• More than 4,000

What is the 'big one' that people fear?

• A large tsunami

• A powerful earthquake

• A severe hurricane

• A massive volcanic eruption

What do scientists say about the current level of activity along the Ring of Fire?

• It is somewhat unusual.

• It is extremely rare.

• It is highly unusual.

• It is not unusual.

Which of the following statements is true about the Ring of Fire?

• It is located entirely in the Southern Hemisphere.

• It is responsible for the majority of the world's earthquakes.

• It has no impact on the United States.

• It contains less than half of the world's active volcanoes.