Volcanic Destruction of Homes in Hawaii

[Judge]

Tragic to see this recent eruption of Mt. Kilauea destroy more than three dozen buildings so far, especially given they all seem to be homes. And not likely insured for highly specialized insurance when it comes to volcanic action.

Imagine being dependent on an insurer to consider the covered peril of fire (and proximate cause of loss) to make a legitimate claim on the average homeowners (HO3) policy. But for your home to catch on fire under such circumstances usually means that it has already been enveloped by the flow of searing hot lava destroying everything in its path.

Let's hope some insurers are willing to give such unfortunate property owners a break. But I'm not holding my breath either.

Reminds of hearing a fellow underwriter candidly tell people who didn't have earthquake coverage to "turn on the gas" in the event of an earthquake. Because fire is a covered peril. Though you never know how insurance adjusters will handle such circumstances in the event of such a claim.

Hawaii Volcano Victims May Face Insurance Crisis

Volcanic Gases Prompt Door-to-Door Evacuation in Hawaii

 

[LucyPurrs]

@Judge Do you mean to say people build homes in a place like that without being able to get volcanic eruption insurance? Naïve me, I assumed no one would be that stupid if there was no insurance to cover the current eventuality.

 

[Gritches]

I have nothing intelligent to contribute, just this:

 

[Judge]

@Judge Do you mean to say people build homes in a place like that without being able to get volcanic eruption insurance? Naïve me, I assumed no one would be that stupid if there was no insurance to cover the current eventuality.

Go figure. Yet I've seen such people all over the United States who are so in love with a particular location to live in, that they're willing to take their chances no matter what perils may be involved. Whether insurance is available or not.

But in this instance this volcano has been formally designated as "active" since 1983. Even if some might find specialty market insurance it's likely to be cost-prohibitive anyways.

Frankly just the exposure to lava flows and sulfur dioxide would keep me from even considering renting, let alone buying in that area.

Paradise lost.

 

[LucyPurrs]

I'm actually also surprised that zoning allowed for homes to be built there given the perils. Where did common sense go?

 

[Judge]

I'm actually also surprised that zoning allowed for homes to be built there given the perils. Where did common sense go?

I could cite some real horror stories along those lines. I suppose the common denominator in such situations is to simply "follow the money". Which can easily trump common sense and government oversight.

 

[Butterfly88]

No volcano insurance? Let's start a volcano insurance company, we can charge lots since there is no competition.

 

[LucyPurrs]

No volcano insurance? Let's start a volcano insurance company, we can charge lots since there is no competition.

Well, we'd have to charge enormous amounts to cover all the payouts we'd have to make, LOL!

 

[Butterfly88]

Well, we'd have to charge enormous amounts to cover all the payouts we'd have to make, LOL!

It depends how often the volcano erupts, if not too often we can still make money.

 

[LucyPurrs]

It depends how often the volcano erupts, if not too often we can still make money.

Good point Butterfly! There's logical thinking for ya
I wonder if homes in the strike zone of Yellowstone park would buy it? They say Yellowstone's volcano is due to erupt anytime. But it may be so big it'd destroy us all.

 

[Butterfly88]

Good point Butterfly! There's logical thinking for ya
I wonder if homes in the strike zone of Yellowstone park would buy it? They say Yellowstone's volcano is due to erupt anytime. But it may be so big it'd destroy us all.

Let's hope it won't destroy us.

 

[Judge]

Looks like things are getting worse there. Not good.

"Fifteen fissures have opened since Kilauea’s vents started spraying fountains of lava up to 300 feet (90 meters) into the air on Thursday and 116 acres (47 hectares) of land have been covered with lava.

Kilauea has been in a state of nearly constant eruption for 35 years. It predominantly blows off basaltic lava in effusive eruptions that flow into the ocean but occasionally experiences more explosive events.

A powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake on the volcano’s south flank shook the area on Friday. It was the second largest of the last century in Hawaii. More earthquakes and eruptions have been forecast, perhaps for months to come."

Hawaii volcano could start spewing big rocks, smog, ash

 

[Judge]

No volcano insurance? Let's start a volcano insurance company, we can charge lots since there is no competition.

I'm afraid Lloyds of London can beat anything you come up with.

For the right price, of course.

 

[LucyPurrs]

I went to Kilauea Volcano Park many years ago (1990?) when it was erupting in a more minor fashion. There's a road you drive all the way up to the crater and there's a lodge up there. All along the road are live vents steaming away. It was kind of unnerving imo. I didn't dally. I had hoped to witness (from far away) one of the eruptions but it had stopped right before I got there. I was living on Oahu at the time.

 

[Judge]

I went to Kilauea Volcano Park many years ago (1990?) when it was erupting in a more minor fashion. There's a road you drive all the way up to the crater and there's a lodge up there. All along the road are live vents steaming away. It was kind of unnerving imo. I didn't dally. I had hoped to witness (from far away) one of the eruptions but it had stopped right before I got there. I was living on Oahu at the time.

Totally understand. Much like anyone willing to get a little too close to Mt. St. Helens.

I've been on Oahu twice as a kid, but never got to the big island.

 

[tducey]

I've heard about this as well. Thoughts with all those involved at this time.

 

[Judge]

An 18th fissure discovered. This thing isn't getting any better. More evacuations. Not good.

"Popping, exploding and sloshing sounds could be heard from the fissure as far as 1,500 yards (1,400 meters) away."

Noisy Hawaii volcano lava fissure spurs more evacuations

 

[Butterfly88]

Oh no, scary stuff.

 

[Butterfly88]

The first serious injury was reported:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/h...tens-escape-routes/ar-AAxwDRO?ocid=spartanntp

 

[Aeolienne]

An interesting comparison is made here with the depiction of an 18th century eruption of Vesuvius, Italy. Before the invention of photography the responsibility fell to the British painter Joseph Wright of Derby, probably the most scientifically-minded artist of all time.
The lava river in a quiet neighbourhood