Super Volcano Can Kill Millions of People

Vesuvies eruption near Naples, Italy, in AD 79 that killed thousands of Pompeii is one of the most historic volcanic eruptions. But now scientists say they have found a "super volcano" hidden in the same area which also has the potential to kill millions of people.

"The region is experiencing an eruption that could potentially cause a global catastrophe, like a meteor impact," said Giuseppe De Natale basis Earth drilling project chief who oversaw the caldera lava, told Reuters.

Caldera formed from the collapse of land after volcanic eruptions. Caldera can be as dangerous as the dome of the volcano, sending magma and ash into the air. Caldera is located in Campi Flegrei. Area, which means 'fire' in Greek, is a popular destination for tourists. Surrounding area was home to 3 million people.

"This is why Campi Flegrei to be studied and monitored," said De Natale. "This area is more dangerous because there are millions of people who lived in the volcano."

Scientists funded by the International Continental Scientific Drilling Programme had received permission to drill up to 2.2 miles or 3.5 km underground, towards the center of the caldera, the home of the giant lava rock. Once they reach the center of the lava rocks, they plan to install surveillance systems that can provide early warning if there is a potential hazardous eruption.

"Most of this area, especially Campi Flegrei, a very densely populated so that a small explosion, and it is very possible, unfortunately, could be at risk for the population," said De Natale, of the Vesuvius Observatory at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology of Italy.

The early stages of drilling has produced scientific evidence, including samples of volcanic rocks from an eruption that occurred 15 thousand years ago.