Worldwide Volcano News and Updates

Half a month into 2006, eruptive activity at Pu`u `O`o continues unabated. Several vents within the crater continue to be active and glow is frequently visible on clear nights. Lava is still flowing through the PKK lava tube from Pu`u `O`o to the ocean, with a scattered surface breakout flows that are intermittendly active near Pu`u `O`o itself, on the steep slopes of Pulama pali, above the coastal plain, and just above the coastal plain before the lava enters the sea.

Augustine volcano emitting ash on 12 Jan. 2006, photographed from the west. (Photo: Game McGimsey/Alaska Volcano Observatory/U.S.G.S.)

Two more explosions occurred from Augustine volcano on Jan. 12, 2006, producing ash plumes that rose to up to 5 miles (ca. 8 km) above sea level.

Augustine volcano has calmed down a bit, and the USGS lowered the alert level from RED to ORANGE. Seismic activity has declined since yesterday's eruption but remains elevated above background and the volcano continues to steam vigorously. AVO reports steam and minor ash emissions from a new vent on the 1986 lava dome, producing a plume reaching an estimated height of 8000 to 10,000 ft (2400 to 3050 m) above sea level. Field observataions confirmed mudflows (also visible in the on-island web camera) on the flanks of the volcano. These flows are the likely source of false reports of new lava flows on the volcano.

In this photo from the Alaska Volcano Observatory's Augustine Island webcam, steam rises from Augustine Volcano 75 miles southwest of Homer, Alaska, Thursday Jan. 12, following its more powerful explosion at night 2006. (AP Photo/Alaska Volcano Observatory )

Update: according to news sources, the eruption DID take place and an ash plume rose to a reported height of about 5 miles (8 km) into the sky. A weather service flight advisory was issued for pilots for an area 20 miles east and west of the volcano and about 50 miles north.
As the AVO reports a few minutes ago, "at 4:44 a.m. (AST) this morning, AVO began recording seismic signals interpreted as explosions at the summit of Augustine Volcano that likely mark the onset of an eruption. The current activity may be emitting ash, steam, and volcanic gases." The color code for Augustine has been raised to RED.
For more details and current information, please visit the Augustine page at the AVO.

Fuego volcano is continuing to be in a more active phase compared to recent months, with moderate strombolian activity from the summit, several lava flows travelling down its flanks and occasional ash plumes up to 1-2 km height.