Roundup of Global Volcanic Activity
Kuchinoerabu-jima (Ryukyu Islands): Two people have been reported injured, presumably burnt by pyroclastic surge, and were flown to a hospital in Yakushima island. So far, it is not clear whether the eruption is a large-scale phreatic (steam-explosion driven) event or caused by new magma. Ash analysis should bring light into this soon.
A powerful vulcanian explosion occurred this morning at 11:02 am local time at the volcano. The eruption – a both vertical and partially lateral massive explosion, occurred with apparently little warning from the Shintake vent and produced large pyroclastic flows by column collapse. A tall mushroom ash plume quickly rose to approx. 12 km altitude (36,000 ft). JMA raised the alert level to the highest (5 out of 5) and authorities ordered immediate evacuation of the 130 inhabitants. Preliminary reports say that no fatalities or significant damage occurred, although this seems almost too good to be true, judging from the view of a massive pyroclastic flow that swept down to the coast near the port of the small island.
Sakurajima (Kyushu, Japan): After having been comparably calm the past days, the volcano started a series of strong explosions this morning. Ash plumes rose to reported 14,20,000 ft altitude. The eruptions were followed by long phases of mild to moderate, continuous jets of ash.
Wolf (Galápagos Islands, Ecuador): During the evening of 27 May (local time), the lava flow entered the sea on the southeast shore of the northern part of Isabela island.