The recent eruption of the Eyjafjallajoekull Volcano in Iceland, and the resultant ash cloud that stopped air flights across Europe for 5 days has raised an interesting and usual range of business continuity issues.
The following items provide useful summary information and also relate to the Australian context.
A 2 page summary of the Ash Cloud event, kindly supplied by Deloitte.
Many people are unaware that the situation in Europe is a real, but under-appreciated risk for Australia.Indonesia is one of the most volcanically active regions in the world, with more volcanoes along its spine than almost any other country.New Zealand also has its own collection.
The Bureau of Meteorology has its own dedicated team called the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre based in Darwin on permanent watch. As we have not had a major eruption near Australia in many years, the risk gets very little publicity, compared to other natural threats like Tsunami's. The VAAC is a permanent presence keeping an eye on any misbehaving Volcanoes in the region.
