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Archived Volcano News - John Seach
May 2005
News reports posted in Eastern Australian Time (UT + 10 hr)
Reports written by John Seach
Sakura-jima Volcano (Japan)
31.58 N, 130.67 E, summit elevation 1117 m, stratovolcano
Tuesday 31st May 2005
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake hit about 60 km SE of Sakura-jima Volcano in Japan on Tuesday 31st May. Sakura-jima volcano is currently active.
More on Sakurajima Volcano...
Earthquake location map...
Colima Volcano (Mexico)
19.514 N,103.62 W, summit elevation 3850 m, Stratovolcano
Tuesday 31st May 2005
Another eruption has occurred at Colima volcano in Mexico. Yesterday ash was ejected to a height of 4.8 km above the volcano in the largest eruption at Colima in 15 years. Activity at the volcano is gradually increasing. So far no evacuations have been necessary.
More on Colima Volcano...
Volcanoes of Mexico...
Barren Island Volcano (India)
12.29 N, 93.87 E, summit elevation 305 m, stratovolcano
Monday 30th May 2005
Barren Island volcano has erupted in the Andaman Islands, India. An Indian coast guard ship sighted a thick plume of smoke on Saturday as it came close to uninhabited Barren Island. Hotspots are visible on satellite images. Barren Island volcano last erupted in 1995. The area has been hit by aftershocks following the December 2004 great earthquake off Sumatra.
More on Barren Island Volcano...
Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii)
19.425 N, 155.292 W, summit elevation 1222 m, Shield volcano
Sunday 29th May 2005
Three ocean lava entries are visible at Kilauea volcano in Hawaii - East Lae`apuki, East Kamoamoa, and Kamoamoa. Lava breakouts are visible back from the coast at 1300 ft, 1500 ft, and 2300 ft elevations. A glow is visible from several vents within the Pu`u `O`o crater, the source of the lava flows.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...
Popocatepetl Volcano (Mexico)
19.023 N, 98.622 W, summit elevation 5426 m,stratovolcano
Friday 27th May 2005
Ash was visible above Popocatepetl Volcano in Mexico on 26th May. Ash was visible 3000 ft above the summit and drifting SE. A hotspot was visible on satellite images.
More on Popocatepetl Volcano...
Volcanoes of Mexico...
White Island Volcano (New Zealand)
37.52 S, 177.78 E, summit elevation 321 m, stratovolcanoes
Thursday 26th May 2005
The crater lake at White Island Volcano is close to overflow. The lake started to form in the crater in August 2003, and now is only 3.3 m from overflow level. The lake is being held in place by a barrier of soft material, which has decreased in diameter from 22m last November to 15m. The lake level is expected to rise with continued rainfall during winter. The lake has covered previously active vents, so future eruptions may occur underwater. This indicates a change in hazard at the volcano. White Island volcano is currently not erupting, and remains at level 1 alert.
More on White Island Volcano...
Volcanoes of New Zealand...
Manam Volcano (Papua New Guinea)
4.10 S, 145.06 E, summit elevation 1807 m, Stratovolcano
Thursday 26th May 2005
Eighty percent of children who were evacuated from Manam Island after the volcanic eruptions in December 2004 and January 2005 are suffering from malnutrition, according to staff from Madang Hospital in Papua New Guinea. The food supplies to the care centres have been unable to provide children with a balanced diet. Thirty percent of children are suffering from severe malnutrition. Famine is the forgotten killer of volcanic eruptions. About 10,000 people from Manam Island were evacuated to camps on the mainland, and have been cut off from their gardens and fishing areas, and are dependent on food aid, which has not been adequate to meet their nutritional requirements.
More on Manam Volcano...
Volcanoes of Papua New Guinea..
Galeras Volcano (Colombia)
1.22 N, 77.37 W, summit elevation 4276 m, complex volcano
Wednesday 25th May 2005
On Tuesday the Colombian government ordered the evacuation of 9,000 people living on the slopes of Galeras volcano, which may erupt soon. An eruption is possible in days or weeks folowing a surge in seismic activity and higher temperatures inside the crater. The volcano last erupted last November, sending rocks and ash for a distance of two miles.
More on Galeras Volcano...
Volcanoes of Colombia...
Colima Volcano (Mexico)
19.514 N,103.62 W, summit elevation 3850 m, Stratovolcano
Tuesday 24th May 2005
Colima Volcano in Mexico erupted on Tuesday 24th May. An observed ash cloud reached 32,000 ft elevation and produced pyroclastic flows which traveled 4-5 km. Ash drifted 110 nautical miles west of the volcano. The eruption was the largest at Colima in more than a decade.
More on Colima Volcano...
Volcanoes of Mexico...
Dukono Volcano (Indonesia)
1.70 N, 127.87 E, summit elevation 1185 m, Complex Volcano
Saturday 21st May 2005
An ash eruption was detected at Dukono Volcano in Indonesia on Saturday 21st May. Observed ash cloud reached 10,000 ft. A thin plume remained visible after 6 hours, on GOES9 satellite image. Dukon remains at orange alert.
More on Dukono Volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii)
19.425 N, 155.292 W, summit elevation 1222 m, Shield volcano
Saturday 21st May 2005
Lava is entering the ocean at three locations at Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. Two large ocean entries are located at east Lae`apuki and East Kamoamoa. Between these is a smaller ocean entry. The East Lae`apuki and East Kamoamoa entries have lava benches about 350 long and 75 m wide. Kilauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes, and has been in a constant state of eruption since 1983.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...
Mt Belinda Volcano (South Sandwich Islands)
58.27 S, 26.24 E, summit elevation 1370 m, Stratovolcano
Saturday 21st May 2005
A moderate sized earthquake (magnitude 5.1) hit south east of Mt Belinda volcano on Montagu Island. Eruptions continue at Mt Belinda volcano, with hotspots visible on satellite images. The earthquake was also located near Bristol Island volcano, which last erupted in 1956.
More on Mt Belinda Volcano...
Volcanoes of Antarctica and South Sandwich Islands...
Rabaul Volcano (Papua New Guinea)
4.271 S, 152.203 E, summit elevation 688 m, caldera
Wednesday 18th May 2005
Volcanic activity at Mt Tavurvur (Rabaul caldera) has declined in the past couple of weeks, but residents have been warned to avoid the crater due to occasional strong explosions. Ash continues to be ejected from the crater, and up to 15 volcanic earthquakes are registered each day. Ground deformation has continued since March 2005. Eruptive activity is likely to continue for an extended period. There is a 1 km exclusion zone around Mt Tavurvur.
More on Rabaul Volcano...
Volcanoes of Papua New Guinea...
Krakatau Volcano (Indonesia)
6.10 S, 105.42 E, summit elevation 813 m (Rakata), Caldera
Tuesday 17th May 2005
The Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation in Indonesia has upgraded Krakatoa volcano (Krakatau) to level 2 alert (4 being maximum) on Tuesday 17th May after there was an increase in seismicity under the volcano. There were rumours that the volcano had erupted, spreading panic among residents of Sumatra, however the volcano has not erupted.
More on Krakatoa Volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Awu Volcano (Indonesia)
3.67 N, 125.50 E, summit elevation 1320 m, Stratovolcano
Monday 16th May 2005
A report from an aircraft indicates a low level plume above Awu Volcano in Indonesia on Monday 16th May. Ash is expected to reach 10,000 ft elevation. Awu volcano is currently at yellow alert.
More on Awu Volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Manam Volcano (Papua New Guinea)
4.10 S, 145.06 E, summit elevation 1807 m, Stratovolcano
Monday 16th May 2005
A US Navy hospital ship has arrived off the coast of Papua New Guinea to assist with the medical care of the residents affected by the Manam volcano disaster. About 10,000 people were evacuated from Manam Island following the October 2004 and January 2005 eruptions. Manam volcano produced the world's largest eruption in 2004, and the welfare of the refugees has been almost totally ignored by the international community. It has been 7 months since the large eruptions displaced the community from Manam Island, and already about 100 people have died in the refugee camps due to disease and malnutrition. There are reports that food aid has not reached the care centres for the past 6 weeks. John Seach was the first volcanologist on the scene of the 2004 eruptions, and has been raising awareness of the situation through this website and other media organisations.
More on Manam Volcano...
Volcanoes of Papua New Guinea...
Mt Belinda Volcano (South Sandwich Islands)
58.27 S, 26.24 E, summit elevation 1370 m, Stratovolcano
Sunday 15th May 2005
Eruptions continue at Mt Belinda volcano on Montagu Island. Satellite images show a hotspot over Montagu Island continuing to May 5, 2005. Volcanic activity was first recognised on the island in 2001.
More on Mt Belinda Volcano...
Volcanoes of Antarctica and South Sandwich Islands...
Semeru Volcano (Indonesia)
8.10 S, 112.92 E, summit elevation 3676 m, Stratovolcano
Sunday 15th May 2005
Eruptions continue at Semeru Volcano in Indonesia. A Qantas flight reported ash to 20,000 ft on Sunday 15th May. Satellite images show a plume extending 15 nautical miles NW of the volcano. Semeru is one of the world's most active volcanoes. It has been in regular activity since 1967.
More on Semeru Volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Fernandina Volcano (Galapagos Islands)
0.37 S, 91.55 W, summit elevation 1495 m, shield volcano
Saturday 14th May 2005
Fernandina Volcano erupted in the Galapagos Islands on the morning of 13th May, sending a plume of ash 4 miles high. Initially a hotspot was visible on satellite images, and the eruption was confirmed after a flyover by light aircraft, as well as observations by National Park personel who were working in the area. The activity is located along a fissure on the western side of the volcano. The volcano is located on an uninhabited island of the Galapagos. Lava flows could reach the Pacific Ocean within days, burning vegetation and killing some animals such as iguanas along the way. Sea lions, penguins and bullfinches also live on Fernandina. There were no observed precursors to the eruption. A seismic station installed in 1996 was not working at the time of the eruption. The Galapagos Islands, about 620 miles off Ecuador's Pacific coast, are home to unique animal species that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
More on Fernandina volcano...
Loihi Volcano (Hawaii)
18.92 N, 155.27 W, summit elevation - 980 m, Submarine volcano
Saturday 14th May 2005
A moderate earthquake (magnitude 5.1) hit Loihi volcano in Hawaii on Friday 13th May. The epicentre was located 5 km ESE of the undersea volcano, off the coast of the big island of Hawaii. Loihi is the youngest of the Hawaiian volcanoes and is located offshore from Kilauea volcano where lava flows are currently entering the sea. The earthquake was felt throughout the island of Hawaii.
More on Loihi Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...
Anatahan Volcano (Mariana Islands)
16.35 N, 145.67 E, summit elevation 788 m, Stratovolcano
Saturday 14th May 2005
Volcanic smog (Vog) from Anatahan volcano in the Mariana islands has extended 1,225 nautical miles west, nearly to the Philippines. Within the area of vog, a passing ship reported visibility only 2.5 miles. Continuous ash and steam emissions are occurring at the volcano. Moderately thick ash is reaching 8,000 ft and extends 200 nautical miles to the west-northwest, with thinner ash extending 150 nautical miles west-northwest. Although the volcano is not currently dangerous to most aircraft within the CNMI airspace, conditions may change rapidly, and aircraft should pass upwind of Anatahan or beyond 10 nautical miles downwind from the island and exercise due caution within 10 nautical miles of Anatahan. An eruption 6 April 2005 was the largest historical eruption of Anatahan and ejected approximately 50 million cubic meters of ash.
More on Anatahan volcano...
Dieng Volcano (Indonesia)
7.2 S, 109.9 E, , summit elevation 2565 m, Complex Volcano
Friday 13th May 2005
A report about an eruption at Dieng volcano was false. The emissions were due to pipe maintenance at the geothermal energy site at Dieng.
More on Dieng volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Colima Volcano Mexico
19.514 N,103.62 W, summit elevation 3850 m, Stratovolcano
Friday 13th May 2005
Colima volcano in Mexico erupted on Tuesday, sending molten lava a mile from the crater and starting forest fires. The eruption was the strongest at the volcano since March 2004, and sent ash into the nearby city of Jalisco.
More on Colima Volcano...
Volcanoes of Mexico...
Yasur Volcano (Vanuatu)
19.52 S, 169.42 E, summit elevation 361 m, Stratovolcano
Thursday 12th May 2005
Yasur volcano in Vanuatu continues its impressive activity, which consists of Strombolian and mild Vulcanian eruptions. Recent tour groups led by Volcanololgist John Seach in March and April were able to view spectacular explosions with molten lava ejected up to 350m above the vent. Some lava bombs were expelled on to the crater rim on the north and east side of the cone. Next tour to Yasur Volcano is on 10th June. Contact John Seach for details.
More on Yasur Volcano...
Yasur Volcano Tour...
Indonesia Volcano News
Wednesday 11th May 2005
Five volcanoes in Eastern Indonesia remain on alert level 2 or 3 (out of max 4), during week of 2-8 May.
Karangetang Volcano is at alert level 3. There is a risk of pyroclastic flows and lahars, and residents have been warned to keep at least 2 km away from lava.. Seismic activity at Karangetang volcano was dominated by shallow-volcanic earthquakes and continuous tremor. Egon volcano is at alert level 3 with continuous tremor and a dangerous summit region. Dukono is one of the world's most active volcanoes and is located in a rarely visited part of Indonesia. Continuous ash emissions and booming noises have been heard at the volcano, which remains at alert level 2. Soputan volcano erupted on 19th April and current activity is dominated by lava avalanches. Soputan volcano is at alert level 2. Lokon volcano is at alert level 2, with seismic activity above normal levels. Recent interest has focused on the volcanoes in Sumatra which have been under watch after the great 2004 earthquake. The volcanoes in central and eastern Indonesia have been more active then those in Sumatra in recent years.
Volcanoes of Indonesia...
Papua New Guinea Earthquake (Magnitude 5.5)
Wednesday 11th May 2005
A moderate earthquake hit Bougainville Island in Papua New Guinea on Wednesday 11th May at 0717hr local time. The earthquake epicenter was located about 60 km from Balbi Volcano, which last erupted in 1825.
More on Balbi Volcano...
Ambrym Volcano (Vanuatu)
16.25 S, 168.12 E, summit elevation 1334 m, Pyroclastic Shield Volcano
Wednesday 11th May 2005
Eruptions continue at Ambrym Volcano in Vanuatu. Ambrym is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, but is little known. In 2005 Ambrym has been the world's largest producer of sulphur dioxide, indicating a large amount of magma is close to the surface. Like Manam volcano in PNG, the eruptions of Ambrym have resulted in famine, medical problems and social disruption for communities living on the volcano. Ambrym volcano is almost constantly active, but over the past 14 months the volcano has entered a more destructive period of activity. Ambrym volcano has the potential for large destructive eruptions. In 1913 Ambrym produced one of the largest eruptions in the region for 400 years.
More on Ambrym volcano...
Volcanoes of Vanuatu...
Manam Volcano (Papua New Guinea)
4.10 S, 145.06 E, summit elevation 1807 m, Stratovolcano
Wednesday 11th May 2005
The largest volcanic eruption in the world in 2004 and 2005 is still claiming lives. More than 100 people have died in care centres since the large eruption of October 2004 at Manam Volcano in Papua New Guinea. About 10,000 people were evacuated from Manam Island in November and December 2004 after destructive eruptions destroyed villages and food gardens. The evacuees were relocated to the mainland, without adequate medical, food, water or education facilities. According to a spokesman for Asuramba care centre Elderly people and children are developing swollen legs, arms, and lumps on their shoulders, necks and mouths, “probably as the side effects of poisoning from the eruption”. The resettlement program was behind schedule. People had been promised permanent housing but many were still living in tents. Small eruptions continue at Manam volcano in May 2005.
More on Manam Volcano...
Volcanoes of Papua New Guinea...
Anatahan Volcano (Mariana Islands)
16.35 N, 145.67 E, summit elevation 788 m, Stratovolcano
Tuesdsay 10th May 2005
Continuous ash emissions are continuing at Anatahan Volcano in Mariana Islands. A thin cloud of ash to 12,000 feet altitude may reach south of Okinawa in Japan. Volcanic smog (VOG) currently extends at least 750 nautical miles west to probably several hundred nautical miles northeast of the island. Anatahan’s harmonic tremor dropped back to a fairly low level on Saturday, after surging to a moderately high level on Friday. The largest eruption of Anatahan volcano occurred on April 6, 2005, when ash reached 50,000 ft altitude.
More on Anatahan volcano...
The Most Dangerous Volcanoes in the USA
Saturday 7th May 2005
The US Geological Survey has released an assessment of volcanic threats in the United States (USGS Open-File Report 2005-1164). The survey assessed 169 active volcanoes in the US, and rated them with a numerical score based on 15 hazard and 10 exposure factors. The hazard and exposure factors were totaled to give the threat assessment in rank order. The authors state the document is not a formal risk assessment, which would require calculating the probabilities of particular hazards occurring at the volcanoes. The report lists 18 volcanoes having very high threat levels. These are (in decreasing threat level): Kilauea (erupting), St Helens (erupting), Rainier, Hood, Shasta, South Sister, Lassen, Mauna Loa (unrest), Redoubt, Crater Lake, Baker, Glacier Peak, Makushin, Akutan, Spurr (unrest), Long Valley, Newberry, and Augustine. Yellowstone is classified as a high threat volcano and rates number 21 on the list. The report aims to provide a famework for a national volcano early warning system, and lists high priority targets for monitoring improvements.
More on Volcanoes of USA...
Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii)
19.425 N, 155.292 W, summit elevation 1222 m, Shield volcano
Saturday 7th May 2005
Lava is entering the sea at two locations at Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. Two lava falls are dropping over the old sea cliff at East Lae`apuki onto a growing delta. Surface lava continues to flow on Pulama pali. Kilauea volcano has been erupting continuously since 1983 and is currently the best place in the world to see lava flows.
More on Kilauea Volcano...
Volcanoes of Hawaii...
Langila Volcano (Papua New Guinea)
5.53 S, 148.42 E, summit elevation 1330 m, Complex volcano
Friday 6th May 2005
Langila volcano in Papua New Guinea has been erupting since 1pm (local time) on Wednesday. Reports from the government station at Gloucester indicates increased tremor and thick black ash clouds at the volcano. Today a thin plume extends 40 nautical miles NW of the volcano, with occasional emissions to 7000 ft elevation.
More on Langila Volcano...
Volcanoes of Papua New Guinea...
Manam Volcano (Papua New Guinea)
4.10 S, 145.06 E, summit elevation 1807 m, Stratovolcano
Thursday 5th May 2005
A thin ash plume extends 30 nautical miles NW of Mana volcano in Papua New Guinea, indicating ongoing activity at the volcano. The colour alert code is at orange. The eruption of Manam volcano in January was the largest in the world so far this year.
More on Manam Volcano...
Volcanoes of Papua New Guinea...
Lascar Volcano (Chile)
23.37 S, 67.73 W, summit elevation 5592 m, stratovolcanoes
Thursday 5th May 2005
Satellite images indicate an eruption of Lascar Volcano in Chile on 4th May at 0730 hr (UT). Lascar is an active volcano in the northern Andes. The last activity at Lascar volcano was in 2002 with a small ash eruption.
More on Lascar Volcano...
Volcanoes of Chile...
Sheveluch Volcano (Russia)
56.653 N, 161.360 E, summit elevation 3283 m, stratovolcano
Thursday 5th May 2005
Sheveluch volcano erupted on Wednesday, sending an ash plume 4.5 km above sea level. It has not been possible to record seismic activity at the volcano since February 27, when mud and rock flows destroyed the seismological station located 8 km from the volcano. Scientists say the eruption has posed no danger for the nearby towns. The last major eruption of the volcano was in 1964.
More on Sheveluch Volcano...
Volcanoes of Russia...
Kanlaon Volcano (Philippines)
10.41 N, 123.13 E, summit elevation 2435 m, stratovolcano
Wednesday 4th May 2005
Ash eruptions from Kanlaon volcano in the Philippines has closed nearby Kalibo airport. On Tuesday, ash reached 500 m above the crater. Visibility at Kalibo was reduced to two kilometers which forced the cancellation of ten flights. Volcanic ash poses a threat to aircraft and may result in engine and windscreen damage. A four kilometer exclusion zone is in place around the volcano.
More on Kanlaon Volcano...
Volcanoes of Philippines...
Langila Volcano (Papua New Guinea)
5.53 S, 148.42 E, summit elevation 1330 m, Complex volcano
Tuesday 3rd May 2005
Volcanic activity resumed at Langila volcano in Papua New Guinea. Hotspots are visible on satellite images of the volcano from April 22 to May 1. Ash emissions are visible to an altitude of 7000 ft.
More on Langila Volcano...
Volcanoes of Papua New Guinea...
Karangetang Volcano (Indonesia)
2.47 N, 125.29 E, summit elevation 1784 m, stratovolcano
Sunday 1st May 2005
An eruption of Karangetang volcano occurred this morning (local time), with ash to 10,000 ft, drifting to the west.
More on Karangetang Volcano...
Volcanoes of Indonesia...