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April 2005 Volcano News | John Seach
News reports posted in Eastern Australian Time (UT + 10 hr)
Reports written by John Seach
Ambrym Volcano (Vanuatu)
16.25 S, 168.12 E, summit elevation 1334 m, Pyroclastic Shield Volcano
Wednesday 20th April 2005
Ambrym volcano has produced the strongest point source of sulfur dioxide on the planet for the first months of 2005. The volcano has been erupting in a more destructive manner than usual for the past year, and producing high sulphur dioxide emissions for at least six months. During the first ten days of March 2005, data collected by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument on NASA’s Aura satellite showed high concentrations of sulfur dioxide drifting northwest from the volcano. Visual observations of the volcano at the end of March by John Seach recorded a strong night glow at Benbow, and the sound of bubbling lava could be heard deep in the crater, accompanied by continuous light-brown ash emissions. The volcano still poses a hazard to the local population with ashfall and acid rain affecting food crops and drinking water. During January 2005 many residents were burnt from acid rain and required medical assistance.
More on Ambrym volcano...
Volcanoes of Vanuatu...
Karthala Volcano (Comoros)
11.75 S, 43.38 E, summit elevation 2361 m, shield volcano
Tuesday 19th April 2005
Earlier reports of 17 people killed by the eruption of Karthala volcano appear to be incorrect. No fatalities have been recorded. Karthala volcano erupted on Sunday sending glowing lava boulders shooting into the sky. There is concern that ash and acid rain has contaminated water supplies in the area.
More on Karthala Volcano...
Krakatau Volcano (Indonesia)
6.10 S, 105.42 E, summit elevation 813 m (Rakata), Caldera
Tuesday 19th April 2005
Alert level has been downgraded to 1 at Krakatau volcano in Indonesia. There has been a decrease in volcanic seismology over the past few days.
15 April 2005 deep volcanic = 7 events ; shallow volcanic = 5 events
16 April 2005 deep volcanic = 2 events ; shallow volcanic = 8 events
17 April 2005 deep volcanic = 0 events ; shallow volcanic = 2 events
18 April 2005 deep volcanic = 0 events ; shallow volcanic = 1 events
It is still forbidden to visit the summit crater of Anak Krakatau volcano.
More on Krakatau volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Karthala Volcano (Comoros)
11.75 S, 43.38 E, summit elevation 2361 m, shield volcano
Monday 18th April 2005
The area around the Karthala volcano is in darkness with ash and gritty rain falling. Ten thousand people have evacuated from the area. A pilot reported seeing the start of a lava flow, which is confined to the inside of the crater at this stage. People from the villages of Trelezini and Tsorale have been evacuated to the capital Moroni, which lies on the west coast of Grande Comore, about 15 km from Karthala's crater.
More on Karthala Volcano...
Talang Volcano (Indonesia)
0.97 S, 100.67 E, summit elevation 2896 m, stratovolcano
Monday 18th April 2005
The alert level at Talang volcano in Sumatra has been reduced from 4 to 3. The volcano erupted on Tuesday 12th April. Volcanic activity has declined over the past few days. There is still the possibility of phreatic eruptions.
More on Talang Volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Karthala Volcano (Comoros)
11.75 S, 43.38 E, summit elevation 2361 m, shield volcano
Monday 18th April 2005
Karthala Volcano erupted Sunday on the island of Comoros, 300 km off the east coast of Africa. Residents near the crater have been advised to evacuate their homes. Authorities are checking for contamination in the area after residents reported a grey discolouration in water near the volcano. Volcanic ash is falling and combining with torrential rain and high winds in the area. People from the villages of Trelezini and Tsorale have been evacuating to the capital Moroni, trying to get as far away from the volcano. The last eruption of Karthala volcano was in 1991 when an explosion occurred at Choungou-Chahalé crater. In 1860 a lava flow from the summit caldera reached the capital city of Moroni.
More on Karthala Volcano...
Tangkuban Parahu Volcano (Indonesia)
6.77 S, 107.60 E , summit elevation 2084 m, stratovolcano
Sunday 17th April 2005
Tangkuban Parahu volcano remains at level 3 alert (4 is the highest). The volcano normally has about 1000 tourists per day. Since an increase in seismic activity under the volcano last Wednesday, there has been evacuation of at least 600 vendors selling souvenirs, food and drinks for the tourists.
Three tectonic earthquakes were felt in the area on Friday. Bandung volcanology office recorded the first tremor, measuring 5 on the Richter scale at 9:06 a.m. with its epicenter located some 33 kilometers south of Bandung city.
At 10:46 a.m., a second large earthquake, measuring 6 on the Richter scale, again shook the city with its epicenter some 70 kilometers south of Sukabumi city in West Java. The epicenter was 70 kilometers beneath the Indian Ocean. The third earthquake that hit the city measured 5.6 on the Richter scale at 11:17 a.m, with its epicenter in the Sunda Strait where Anak Krakatau continues to shows signs of restlessness. The third earthquake was also felt in Jakarta.
Of the three earthquakes, the first resulted in the most damage as its epicenter was only five kilometers beneath the Gunung Halu district in Bandung regency, 30 kilometers south of Bandung city. More than 170 houses and school buildings in the area were damaged.
The earthquakes were not only felt in Bandung city, which is preparing for the Asian-African Summit next week, but were also felt in other outlying cities such as Cimahi, Garut, Tasikmalaya and Pangandaran beach in Ciamis regency.
The earthquakes were tectonic in origin, and were not caused by volcanic activity. However, tectonic activity can disturb volcanoes. The last activity at Tangkuban Parahu was in 2002 when ash plumes rose 2.5 km above the volcano.
More on Tangkuban Parahu volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Krakatau Volcano (Indonesia)
6.10 S, 105.42 E, summit elevation 813 m (Rakata), Caldera
Saturday 16th April 2005
Seismic activity decreased at Krakatau volcano on 15th April. Visual observations were made of the volcano from Pasauran. Seismic activity for 15th April: A Type Volcanic earthquakes 7, B Type Volcanic 5. Krakatau remains at level 2 alert (out of 4).
More on Krakatau volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Talang Volcano (Indonesia)
0.97 S, 100.67 E, summit elevation 2896 m, stratovolcano
Saturday 16th April 2005
Over 40,000 people have been evacuated from the slopes of Talang volcano in Sumatra. A five kilometer exclusion zone has been declared around the craters. There is potential for significant eruption. Aircraft should exercise caution when overflying the area. Talang volcano remains at the highest level of alert at 4.
More on Talang Volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Lake Toba (Indonesia)
2.58 N, 98.83 E, summit elevation 2157 m, Caldera
Saturday 16th April 2005
Lake Toba lies on Sumatra faultline running along the western part of Sumatra. Lake Toba is a large caldera formed by volcanic and tectonic processes, and was the site of the world's most recent supervolcano 74,000 years ago. There is no recent volcanic or seismic activity in Lake Toba, except a small fumarole field at the southern tip of Samosir Island, despite the recent large tectonic earthquakes in Sumatra. There is a seismometer network at Sorikmarapi, the nearest active volcano to Lake Toba. In 1988 there was concern that the water levels in the lake were dropping, but this was due to overuse of water for hydroelectric generation power plant. A press release from the Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation on April 5 2005 stated that "Lake Toba will not erupt in the near future."
More on Toba Volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Tangkuban Parahu Volcano (Indonesia)
6.77 S, 107.60 E , summit elevation 2084 m, stratovolcano
Saturday 16th April 2005
Kawah Ratu emited gas to a height of 20m. Seismic activity on 15-16 April from 1800-0600 hr recorded 79 volcanic earthquakes, and 2 gas emissions. The volcano remains at level 3 alert (4 is the highest alert level).
More on Tangkuban Parahu volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Talang Volcano (Indonesia)
0.97 S, 100.67 E, summit elevation 2896 m, stratovolcano
Saturday 16th April 2005
The eruption of Talang volcano during the week has caused the evacuation of thousands of refugees, who have spent a third night in tents. The eruption has also affected tea plantations close to the volcano, which have been covered in ash. The evacuated villages are: Bukit Cileh (3,485 people), Batu Bajanjang (3,632), Koto Laweh (4,660), Kampung Batu Dalam (8,112), and Air Batumbua (2,815), a total of 22,713 people. In addition 5,000 residents from nearby villages volunatarily left their homes.
More on Talang Volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Map of Sumatra Volcanoes...
Krakatau Earthquake (Indonesia)
6.10 S, 105.42 E, summit elevation 813 m (Rakata), Caldera
Friday 15th April 2005
A magnitude 5.4 earthquake hit near Krakatau volcano in Indonesia on Friday 15th April. Krakatau remains at alert level 2 (out of 4). Krakatau is one of the world's most famous volcanoes. The paroxysmal eruption in 1883 created 30-40 m high tsunamis which affected the coast of Sumatra and Java. The earthquake was felt in Jakarta and Lampung province on Sumatra island. At least 100 houses were damaged, but no injuries were reported.
Earthquake Location Map...
More on Krakatau volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Volcano Alerts in Indonesia
Friday 15th April 2005
Nine volcanoes are at raised alert level according to Volcanological Survey of Indonesia.
1) Marapi (Sumatra), alert level II (yellow)
2) Talang (Sumatra), alert level IV (red), erupted on 12th April.
3) Krakatau (Sunda Strait), alert level II (yellow).
4) Tangkuban perahu (Java), alert level III (orange).
5) Semeru (Java), alert II (yellow).
6) Egon (Flores), alert level III (orange)
7) Karangetang (Sulawesi), alert level III (orange)
8) Lokon (Sulawesi), alert level II (yellow)
9) Dukono (Maluku), alert level II (yellow).
More on volcanoes of Indonesia...
Talang Volcano (Indonesia)
0.97 S, 100.67 E, summit elevation 2896 m, stratovolcano
Friday 15th April 2005
Talang volcano remains at stage 4 alert. Today there were 6 volcanic earthquakes from midnight to 0600 hr. Estimated emission of SO2 gas was 1000 tonnes.
More on Talang Volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Tangkuban Parahu Volcano (Indonesia)
6.77 S, 107.60 E , summit elevation 2084 m, stratovolcano
Friday 15th April 2005
Tangkuban Parahu volcano remains at alert level 3. The Bandung area was hit by three felt earthquakes. Between 0500 and 1200 hr today there were 67 volcanic earthquakes.
More on Tangkuban Parahu volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Krakatau Volcano (Indonesia)
6.10 S, 105.42 E, summit elevation 813 m (Rakata), Caldera
Thursday 14th April 2005
Krakatau remains at alert level 2 (out of 4). Seismic activity as follows.
13 April, 13 volcanic earthquakes.
12 April, 32 volcanic earthquakes.
11 April, 32 volcanic earthquakes.
10 April, 12 volcanic earthquakes.
The public is advised to stay away from Anak Krakatau. Information supplied by Volcanological Survey of Indonesia (VSI).
More on Krakatau volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Talang Volcano (Indonesia)
0.97 S, 100.67 E, summit elevation 2896 m, stratovolcano
Thursday 14th April 2005
April 14 observations: 5 type A volcanic earthquakes, 4 volcanic tremor. Magma is still moving under the volcano. There is potential for a significant eruption. Large eruptions are possible following large earthquakes.
April 13 observations: White-gray ash plume rising 250 m above solfatara inside Kawah Mati. Gabuo Atas crater emitted 10 m high white gas plume. Seismicity decreased compared to the previous day.
Recorded earthquakes were: 2 deep volcanic, 4 shallow volcanic, and 3 explosion earthquakes.
April 12 observations: There were 11 deep volcanic earthquakes, 48 shallow volcanic, and 38 explosion earthquakes. More than 25,000 people have been evacuated from the surrounding area. Alert level 4 remains in place (out of 4). The eruption of Talang volcano was probably precipitated by the April 10 Mentawai earthquake. Aircraft are advised to exercise caution when overflying the area.
More on Talang Volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Tangkuban Parahu Volcano (Indonesia)
6.77 S, 107.60 E , summit elevation 2084 m, stratovolcano
Thursday 14th April 2005
The alert level remains at 3 (out of 4). No eruption has occurred yet, but seismic activity has commenced. Thin, white smoke is seen at Ratu crater and new Upas crater. Low to moderate smell of sulphur. Tourists and locals are forbidden to enter the Tangkubanperahu area.
Seismic activity: 14th April, 35 volcanic earthquakes in 6 hours. 13th April, 7 volcanic earthquakes in 5 hours.
More on Tangkuban Parahu volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Krakatau Volcano (Indonesia)
6.10 S, 105.42 E, summit elevation 813 m (Rakata), Caldera
Wednesday 13th April 2005
Krakatau volcano has been raised to alert level 2. Krakatau is one of the world's most famous volcanoes. The paroxysmal eruption in 1883 created 30-40 m high tsunamis which affected the coast of Sumatra and Java.
More on Krakatau volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Tangkuban Parahu Volcano (Indonesia)
6.77 S, 107.60 E , summit elevation 2084 m, stratovolcano
Wednesday 13th April 2005
The alert level has been raised to 3 (out of 4) at Tangkuban Parahu volcano in west Java, Indonesia. The Volcanological Survey of Indonesia reports seismicity has increased at the volcano, and sulfuric gas was strongly smelt near Ratu Crater. The summit area has been closed to visitors. Tangkuban Parahu volcano overlooks the city of Bandung, home to 2 million people.
More on Tangkuban Parahu volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Talang Volcano (Indonesia)
0.97 S, 100.67 E, summit elevation 2896 m, stratovolcano
Tuesday 12th April 2005
Report by John Seach.
Talang volcano in Indonesia erupted this morning, with ash to 25,000 ft. Talang volcano is located in Sumatra, close to recent large earthquakes. Talang is on a list of volcanoes identified as eruption risks by John Seach following the large earthquakes in the region. (See Volcano Live news reports for10th April 2005, and 30th December 2004). The volcano is at alert level 4 (out of 4) and volcanic activity has been increasing following Mentawai earthquake of 10th April. Talang volcano is just 40 kilometers east of the coastal capital of West Sumatra province, Padang.
More on Talang Volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Vanuatu Earthquake (Magnitude 6.8)
Tuesday 12th April 2005
A large earthquake hit the SW Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, April 12, at 4:08 AM local time. The magnitude 6.8 earthquake hit 160 km WNW of Hunter Island Volcano in Vanuatu. Hunter Island, along with Matthew Island are the most southerly active volcanoes in Vanuatu.
More on Hunter Island volcano...
Volcanoes of Vanuatu...
Papua New Guinea Earthquake (Magnitude 6.5)
Tuesday 12th April 2005
A large earthquake hit the Bismarck Sea region of Papua New Guinea. The magnitude 6.5 earthquake hit on Monday, April 11, at 10:20 PM local time. The earthquake was located about 100 km NE of Manam volcano, the site of the largest eruption in the world in 2004.
More on Manam Volcano...
Volcanoes of Papua New Guinea...
Indonesia Earthquakes (2004-2005) and Volcanic Eruptions
Sunday 10th April 2005
Two large earthquakes hit Sumatra, Indonesia on Sunday 10th April, along the same fault line which was responsible for the great earthquakes of 26 December 2004 (Mag 9.0), and 29 March 2005 (Mag 8.7). Large earthquakes are capable of disturbing volcanic systems, and a watch should be kept over the volcanoes of Sumatra and Andaman Islands for change in activity. Volcanoes to watch - Barren Island (Andaman Islands), and Sumatra volcanoes Peuet Sague, Telong, Toba, Sorikmarapi, Marapi, Tandikat, Talang, Kerinci, Kaba, Dempo, and Krakatoa in the Sunda Strait. The risk of a large volcanic eruption resulting from the recent Sumatra earthquakes is not great, but nevertheless should not be ignored.
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Earthquakes and Volcanoes...
Himalaya Earthquake (Magnitude 6.0)
Friday 8th April 2005
A large earthquake has hit the Himalaya region of Tibet on Friday, April 08, 2005 at 04:04 AM local time. The earthquake was located 250 km N of Pokhara, Nepal, close to the world's tallest mountains. The closest active volcano to the earthquake is Kunlun in Western China, which last erupted in 1951. Also closeby is the Kunlun Fault - one of the gigantic strike-slip faults that bound the north side of Tibet.
More on Kunlun Volcano...
Volcanoes of China...
Anatahan Volcano (Mariana Islands)
16.35 N, 145.67 E, summit elevation 788 m, Stratovolcano
Wednedsay 6th April 2005
An explosive eruption occurred at Anatahan volcano at 0300hr on April 6 local time, sending an ash plume to an altitude of 50,000 ft which drifted east. A lower level ash plume covering a large area drifted south at an altitude of 18,000 ft. This is the largest eruption of the volcano since its first historical eruption in 2003. The health department has warned residents to stay indoors as the ash may cause respiratory problems and eye and skin irritation. The Emergency Management Office, has placed Anatahan Island off limits until further notice. Aircraft should pass upwind of Anatahan or beyond 10 nautical miles downwind from the island and exercise caution within 10 nautical miles of Anatahan. The first historical eruption of Anatahan volcano began 10 May 2003. The second historical eruption began about 9 April 2004. The third historical eruption of Anatahan began on 6 January 2005.
More on Anatahan volcano...
Manam Volcano (Papua New Guinea)
4.10 S, 145.06 E, summit elevation 1807 m, Stratovolcano
Wednedsay 6th April 2005
Low-level volcanic activity continues at Manam Volcano in Papua New Guinea, and further large eruptions are possible. A total of 1880 families (10,677 people) from 16 villages have received tarpaulins to establish temporary shelters. A total of 1087 water containers have been distributed to 1750 families. A total of 12,760 tablets were distributed to 1880 families. Many people complained about the taste of the water after treatment, and many did not return for further supplies. The long-term future of the care centres is uncertain because the land has become the focus of a dispute with traditional landowners.
More on Manam Volcano...
Volcanoes of Papua New Guinea...
Ambrym Volcano (Vanuatu)
16.25 S, 168.12 E, summit elevation 1334 m, Pyroclastic Shield Volcano
Monday 4th April 2005
Destructive acid rain and ashfall continue at Ambrym volcano in Vanuatu. Ambrym volcano has been in a destructive phase of activity for the past 12 months. The first emergency relief food supplies have started to arrive on the island, but more still needs to be done to meet the food and medical needs of the residents. Acid rainfall in January burnt residents of west Ambrym, and many people required medical assistance.
More on Ambrym volcano...
Volcanoes of Vanuatu...