Not to be an alarmist but emergency plans are always good to have BEFORE an emergency in my opinion.
I Live in Baja Boquete.... I was thinking about the unthinkiable for those living in the Volcan Baru area and particularly Boquete. My conclusion would be for one living in or near Boquete is to get as far East as you can get on the other side of a mountain blocking the blast from Baru and stay away from river beds where the pyroclastic flows would probably rip through... The other side of Jaramillo would probably be the safest, closest, fastest and best escape route. The roads would most likely not to be to be blocked by panicked motorists. Going to David would be extremely dangerous I think. Traffic could be backed up and there would be no warning when it blew its top. The road to David from Boquete could be ground zero for 100 ton flying boulders. It was last time. Anyway...as a person who used to cruise in a sailboat, I always took precautions. When an emergency happens your cognitive abilities are lessened by fear of the unknown.
Evacuation routes anyone?
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Personal rocket planes - like the V1 of WW2. Like the Baka of the Japanese without the high explosive. They traveled nearly 400mph. Just need ramp launchers, again like the V1, and then a 2 seater version of the above mentioned Baka's (i wonder if there any for sale as surplus?). Problem with hang glider or mountain bike is the speed if no notice. The wind currents would mess with you in the hang glider, and neither will outrun any of the mentioned items. I was nearby when St Helens blew (in Idaho downwind on my way to Vancouver, WA area) and drove through the ash without knowing what it was as we hadn't heard yet. My wife and I grew up with the beautiful coned mountain just 50 miles away and a fixture of life. I went to Spirit Lake as a boy scout in '67. We dealt with the immediate after affects including muddy drizzle the following week. I have flown over in a private plane a couple of times in the early 90's and it was hard to take in the destruction over a dozen years later.
If trying to leave by vehicle, you will need to have foam to stuff or wrap your air intakes with. It will trap the worst of the ash and you can pull it out, clean it off, then reinsert (we had to do this almost daily for a short while). I moved from ND back to Eugene, OR 2 months later and drove through Eastern Washington where the ash was several inches deep like grey snow (but it doesn't melt). Because of it's abrasive nature, rinse things well before washing it off and change your oil more often then normal.
YES, have a plan. If you can, have a "Go Bag". This is where you have immediate needs supplies such as flashlights, water, a change of clothing matches/lighter and rations bars or such. Enough to sustain you for 3 to 4 days minimum, 1 to 2 weeks even better. You could keep this in your vehicle, but it should be backpack based so that you can abandon a stalled car and head out. Yes try to get out of the most likely "downhill" flow of the whatever comes out of the mountain. Personally, i would have it prepared to throw into or keep in one of the following, in order of what I believe would work best (again, IMHO): Dirt Bike (best, but any nimble motorcycle), Off road capable SUV; off road bicycle; 4wd PU; 4WD car; then 2WD whatever you have (order is what i believe would get you away the quickest and over the damaged terrain). If taking a 4 wheel vehicle, also have a bow saw and some kind of towing strap/chain for moving obstacles). Of course if you happen to have the jet pack/helicopter/StarTrek Transporter, GREAT.
I am no expert, but have studied some over the years. You can find more definitive information on survivalist websites. You can be prepared for a disruption within reason, to go all out will cost a lot of dinero. My brother and his wife are going survivalist lite here the last couple of years. So I can tap them for suggestions for information (whether i want to or not as he is an older brother).
I would consider having in your kit a couple of weapons as well as it may get hairy for a while. Whether or not firearms are available, a good machete (good, not cheap) and a quality hunting knife. You can add other things as you choose and can afford. I don't know about legality of crossbow, bow and arrows and such, but at least a good pellet gun (legal in town). They would all be of help, but only if you are proficient with them. Don't forget medical supplies, and again, WATER. 3 days without, at best(if heat not an issue). Food is secondary. Some rope, small tarp, and blanket will protect you from much of the elements.
WOW, did I get on my soapbox. Sorry bout that, but you started it.
Again, worldly possesions are disposable. Determine what you can't live without, then go back and pare that down even more. Survive first, then come back and see what you can recover. If your progress to safety is stopped (traffic/obsacle), don't hesitate to keep moving. Try not to be swept up into large crowds. They can also become a danger. Small groups travel best and safest.
Most likely help is coming, you have to survive long enough for it to get to you.
Got to go pay my electric bill so I can survive till tomorrow. LOL
As the saying goes, it's best to go into a tuck position with your head between your legs so that you can kiss your ass goodbye.
Hence a mountain bike.this is all information we use in nz for dealing with this kind of disaster.good idea to formulate a plan and be prepared.No one knows what can happen.we don't have this problem in London.
rooikop... London has more serious problems... but on 2 legs...lol
cut off heads though...lol
A Mountain bike or motorcycle sounds good.... Baru is the same kind of volcano as Mount St. Helens is.... explosive! As I drive from David to Boquete, I am amazed by the number of volcanic boulders strewn along the highways from the last eruption. I cannot imagine anyone living under that shower of destruction. If you escape the lahars and pyroclastic flows... those boulder would definitely get you... hence my thought of having Jaramillo between you and those flying boulders...
all in all a great show.I have video of my mother and I racing down Mt Ruapheu in the snow while it was raining down rocks all around.That was 1995 in New Zealand.a minor eruption.Mt St Helens was huge.
Don't forget Mt Rainier.it's ready any day now.
I found a US geological survey PDF on the net about Baru with graphics and lots of diagarams. Lahar flows that follow the routes of los naranjos, downtown boquete and valle escondido. Most of the blast will be on the Volcan side, as before. Perhaps somebody can post it.
Is this the one? It shows the eruptive history of Volcan Baru.
https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2007/1401/
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