Final answer:
No, a large eruption is not required to kill a large number of people. The lethality of an eruption depends on population exposure, preparedness, evacuation measures, and the eruption's characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
No, it does not necessarily take a huge eruption to kill a lot of people. The consequences of volcanic eruptions can depend on a variety of factors, including the density of the population near the volcano, the type of eruption, and the timeliness and effectiveness of evacuation and disaster response efforts. For instance, the eruption described in your question caused significant damage and loss of life, not solely because of its size, but because of its impacts on populated areas and essential infrastructure.
History has shown us that even smaller eruptions can have devastating effects if people are not properly warned and evacuated. In 1883, the Krakatoa eruption, while heard around the world, had direct catastrophic impacts including a significant loss of life and substantial environmental consequences. Volcanic hazards can include landslides, tsunamis, and far-reaching ash plumes that can affect global climate.
Therefore, the lethality of an eruption is more closely related to the exposure of people and properties to the volcano's hazards, the preparedness and mitigation measures in place, and the volcanic activity's characteristics, than to the sheer size of the eruption itself. Advanced technology and improved evacuation strategies have the potential to prevent many deaths in the future, emphasizing the importance of preparing for these natural phenomena