Volcanic eruption '3000 years overdue' in Australia, warns scientist

Sydney, September 21 (ANI): A scientist has said that a volcanic eruption is "well overdue" in Australia from the past 3,000 years and there are hundreds of volcanoes that could cause trouble, from South Australia and Victoria through to Queensland.

According to a report by Fairfax Digital Network, Melbourne geologist Bernie Joyce has made the warning.

He said that there are 400 volcanoes in Victoria and South Australia, and almost as many in Queensland.

"A significant eruption seems well overdue," said Professor Joyce, who has been associated with the University of Melbourne.

"We can't say with 100 per cent certainty that a significant volcano will strike tomorrow, next week, next year, or even 100 years down the track," he added.

Professor Joyce said that there has been a volcanic eruption about every 2000 years in Australia, but the last one was 5000 years ago.

That means an eruption is 3000 years overdue.

This is the reason that Professor Joyce wants "eruption response plans" to be drawn up.

"These geo-hazards are real and they must be given much more focus by emergency management authorities," he said. (ANI)