 If Cerro Azul were to erupt , relief efforts could be orchestrated . The Volcanic Disaster Assistance Program ( VDAP ) formed in response to the famous eruption of Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia , and responded to the 1991 eruption of Mount Hudson in Chile . The team 's stated aim is to " reduce eruption @-@ caused fatalities and economic losses in developing countries " . Made up of various USGS offices ( such as the Cascades Volcano Observatory ; CVO that are responsible for monitoring Mount St. Helens ) , the team is outfitted with equipment capable of monitoring any volcano . This equipment allows them to predict volcanic eruptions effectively and rapidly , and to evacuate nearby homes . 
