News and Updates
rose to altitudes of 4-4.9 km (13,100-16,100 ft) a.s.l. and drifted
SW, W, and SE.
Chronicle of the Colima eruption in 2005:
Colima entered a particularly active phase during March 2005, with an increasing tendency to produce more and more powerful explosions. Whether this trend will turn or further escalate is not known at the time of writing (June 10, 2005). A brief summary of major events during that (ongoing) phase is given here.
All times are local (Central Mexico Time = GMT - 6 hrs)
March 10 - 08h10: moderate eruption, ash plume ~2 km above crater, pyroclastic flows
March 13 - 15h28: strong eruption, ash plume ~5 km above crater, tephra fall ~12.5 km NE of the volcano, pyroclastic flows
April 20 - 20h56: moderate eruption, ash plume ~2 km above crater
May 23 - 19h10: strong eruption, ash plume ~2-3 km above crater, pyroclastic flows 4-5 km distance, ballistic projectiles 3-4 km distance
May 30 - 03h26: strong eruption, ash plume ca. 5 km above crater, pyroclastic flows
June 2: strong eruption
June 5 - 14h20: strongest eruption so far, ash plume >5 km height, pyroclastic flows, heavy tephra fall in the SSW sector
June 6 - 23h05: strong eruption, ash plume 4-5 km height, pyroclastic flows, heavy tephra fall in the SW sector
June 9 - 21:54: moderate eruption
Other facts and aspects
Damage:
On several occasions, ash coated cars and streets in nearby villages as well as the the state capital, Colima. Authorities recommended residents wear masks and sunglasses or goggles to avoid respiratory and eye irritations.
Evacuations:
Despite some non-forced evacuation orders by the authorities taken out in a few sourrounding villages, many families have insisted on staying, concerned their few possessions might be stolen or that they might be forbidden to return. About 300,000 people live within 25 miles of the volcano. Authorities have established an off-limits zone 7.5 km around the crater, and an alert zone is in effect for 10.5 km.
