Sinabung volcano (Sumatra): eruption news and activity updates
Sinabung volcano (Sumatra) - series of pyroclastic flows kill at least 14 people
Sat, 1 Feb 2014, 14:47
14:47 PM | BY: T
Ash plume of the deadly pyroclastic flow on the SE flank this morning
According to Jakarta Post all fatalities that could be located so far had occurred in Suka Meriah village, which is located within a 3-kilometer radius of the volcano, thus in well in the exclusion zone. However, during the past days, enforcement of the exclusion zone had been loosened, and according to some sources, people had even be formally allowed to return to their homes,- a fatal decision for some.
Among the fatalities were several school children and students.
Rescue operations were affected by fears of new pyroclastic flows.
According to BNPB spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, there were three eruptions: the first eruption occurred at 10:30 a.m. (local time) and lasted for eight-and-a-half-minutes, generating a 4.5 km long pyroclastic flow, while the second followed immediately after at 10:38 a.m. and lasted just over four minutes, followed by a third one at 11:27 a.m. for 84 seconds.
It is not exactly clear where the pyroclastic flow originated, from explosions at the summit, collapse of the summit lava dome, or from (partial collapse) on the viscous flow that had recently been emplaced. The latter two scenarios are the more likely ones. Webcam images don't show much detail except a dense ash plume engulfing the southern slope.
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Previous news
Fri, 31 Jan 2014, 15:41
The eruption shows little variations as the volcano continues to effuse viscous magma at the summit vent. A part of that simply contributes to the growth of the lava dome and the viscous lava tongue that descends on the SE flank. Another part of the new magma collapses and produces rock-falls that turn into pyroclastic flows such as this morning (video): ... read all
Thu, 30 Jan 2014, 11:23
Lava effusion continues at the volcano and pyroclastic flows occurred this morning. During the past 7-10 days, the growing lava dome has effused an impressive thick extrusion lobe that managed to form a massive, approx. 800 m long coherent lava flow reaching the base of the mountain. ... read all
Tue, 28 Jan 2014, 08:45
The volcano's lava dome continues to grow. Following a quieter interval, a new series of pyroclastic flows occurred yesterday. read all
Fri, 24 Jan 2014, 10:13
A tall steam and ash plume rises from the summit crater, reaching altitudes of up to estimated 4-5 km at times. read all
Wed, 22 Jan 2014, 08:24
Activity at the volcano continues at reduced rate. The lava dome continues to be active with intense degassing and ash venting, and has produced a series of sporadic smaller pyroclastic flows over the past days. ... read all
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