VDAP aims to prevent volcanic crises from becoming disasters and advance science diplomacy

The Volcano Disaster Assistance Program (VDAP) is a cooperative partnership between the USAID Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). VDAP works by invitation to reduce volcanic risk, primarily in developing nations with substantial volcano hazards.

The scientific exchange between VDAP and USGS VHP staff works in two directions. Scientists in the domestic program assist with VDAP activities, which include installation of monitoring systems in foreign localities, research exchange with foreign scientists, outreach and communication activities, and interpretation of monitoring data in relation to forecasting. Because VDAP staff are persistently engaged in assistance with active volcanic unrest around the world, when domestic crises occur VDAP staff are then able to provide VHP scientists with global perspective and a breadth of eruption-response experience. In addition, the experience gained by VHP staff at active volcanoes overseas is invaluable for the interpretation of volcanic unrest at home. This relationship supports the VHP mission to enhance public safety and minimize social and economic disruption from eruptions.