Sangeang Api volcano (Sunda Islands, Indonesia): major explosive eruption with ash to 15-20 km altitude
Fri, 30 May 2014, 15:49
15:49 PM | BY: T
Today's eruption column at Sangeang Api (photo: @Bambang_Bimawan / Twitter)
A major explosive eruption occurred at the remote volcano this morning at around 08:30 UTC. A subplinian eruption column quickly rose to an estimated 50-65,000 ft (15-20 km) altitude and drifted several hundred km to the east and southeast.
Ash fall was reported in areas up to 30 km downwind from the volcano.
Luckily, the island itself is largely uninhabited although visted by farmers who cultivate some land. Evacuations were ordered within 1.5 km radius from the volcano.
Seismic activity preceding the eruption, including a nearby magnitude 4.5 earthquake at 03:05 UTC, was reported felt in the nearby city of Bima (Sumbawa Island) and even on Flores.
Today's explosion was the first at Sangeang Api volcano since its eruptions during 1997-99. Increased steaming and a number of earthquakes in recent years might have been precursors to today's event.
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