Saturday, April 29, 2006
Volcano in Phillipine is displaying some activity
A Philippine volcano erupted on Saturday, belching ash 1.5 kilometers (about 1 mile) into the sky for the second time this year, the government volcano monitoring agency said.
“It’s already a mild eruption, but it’s not life threatening,” said Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
Solidum said “very light ash” drifted towards the western side of the 1,560 meter (5,148-foot) Bulusan volcano, about 390 kilometers (244 miles) southeast of Manila. Bulusan erupted on March 21, the first time since 1995, spewing more ash than Saturday’s explosion.
Solidum said high sulfur dioxide gas readings several days earlier of more than 1,000 tons a day, more than double the normal level, suggested “renewed activity” of the volcano. However, there was no imminent danger of a violent eruption, he added.
He said authorities have raised only the lowest of a five-stage alert. The agency warned people to stay away from areas within four kilometers (2.5 miles) of the crater.
The Philippines is in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where volcanic activity and earthquakes are common.
In June 1991, Mount Pinatubo in the northern Philippines exploded in one of the world’s biggest volcanic eruptions in the 20th century.
“It’s already a mild eruption, but it’s not life threatening,” said Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
Solidum said “very light ash” drifted towards the western side of the 1,560 meter (5,148-foot) Bulusan volcano, about 390 kilometers (244 miles) southeast of Manila. Bulusan erupted on March 21, the first time since 1995, spewing more ash than Saturday’s explosion.
Solidum said high sulfur dioxide gas readings several days earlier of more than 1,000 tons a day, more than double the normal level, suggested “renewed activity” of the volcano. However, there was no imminent danger of a violent eruption, he added.
He said authorities have raised only the lowest of a five-stage alert. The agency warned people to stay away from areas within four kilometers (2.5 miles) of the crater.
The Philippines is in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where volcanic activity and earthquakes are common.
In June 1991, Mount Pinatubo in the northern Philippines exploded in one of the world’s biggest volcanic eruptions in the 20th century.
Mauna Loa is a threat to local population!
Mauna Loa's massive eruptions and rivers of lava could pose a danger to much of Hawaii island , depending on where it comes pouring out. One of the biggest area of concern is on the volcano's southwest rift zone, where people have built homes and where lava could erupt right from the ground. "When there is an eruption of Mauna Loa - that means a vent can break out underneath your house" says USGS Geologist Frank Trusdell. Underneath Oscar Harnik's house, lava flows formed caves and archways.
Beautiful creations now, but also reminders of a destructive past.Oscar and others who live in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates know the next eruption may come with little warning. Many in this quiet community without power and phones may not get even that. "If there's an eruption...they'll sound the sirens , they'll sound the siren and we'll never hear them. " states Oscar Harnik. Many also know this lava rock landscape is at the mercy of Mauna Loa.
"History repeats itself...the volcano will inundate this place." But this is not the only place where lava flows are visible reminders of this powerful force of nature. Just outside of Hilo is another, where lava from the 1984 eruption stopped just four miles from town. Michelle Icari witnessed that last eruption. Her quiet Kaumana house is not far from that flow and fears over another eruption are also close at hand. "I'm in that danger zone. An eruption is a big concern. I want to know when is it going to happen?" says Icari.
Scientists can't say when but they do say - be prepared , watch for warning signs and be ready to leave a danger area --- as difficult as that may be."I have evacuated thousands of people over the years , but a volcano evacuation is different. There is a tremendous emotional difference when you evacuate for a volcano because you are going to change a lifestyle of people forever. When you are telling them to leave , you know they are never coming back" states Mayor Harry Kim of Hawaii island.
But this risk is just part of the hazard of living with Mauna Loa - Hawaii's looming danger. "This is the most active shield volcano on the face of the earth....the face of the earth."
Beautiful creations now, but also reminders of a destructive past.Oscar and others who live in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates know the next eruption may come with little warning. Many in this quiet community without power and phones may not get even that. "If there's an eruption...they'll sound the sirens , they'll sound the siren and we'll never hear them. " states Oscar Harnik. Many also know this lava rock landscape is at the mercy of Mauna Loa.
"History repeats itself...the volcano will inundate this place." But this is not the only place where lava flows are visible reminders of this powerful force of nature. Just outside of Hilo is another, where lava from the 1984 eruption stopped just four miles from town. Michelle Icari witnessed that last eruption. Her quiet Kaumana house is not far from that flow and fears over another eruption are also close at hand. "I'm in that danger zone. An eruption is a big concern. I want to know when is it going to happen?" says Icari.
Scientists can't say when but they do say - be prepared , watch for warning signs and be ready to leave a danger area --- as difficult as that may be."I have evacuated thousands of people over the years , but a volcano evacuation is different. There is a tremendous emotional difference when you evacuate for a volcano because you are going to change a lifestyle of people forever. When you are telling them to leave , you know they are never coming back" states Mayor Harry Kim of Hawaii island.
But this risk is just part of the hazard of living with Mauna Loa - Hawaii's looming danger. "This is the most active shield volcano on the face of the earth....the face of the earth."
Another volcano threatening Indonesia!
The Jambi provincial administration has warned residents on the slopes of Mt. Kerinci in West Sumatra to be on the alert due to the volcano's rising activity level.
The warning was given because the status of the volcano could easily change from "on alert" to "danger", Amir Syam, the Kerinci regency spokesman, said Friday.
"The regency administration has prepared a disaster mitigation coordination unit to evacuate residents if the volcano erupts," Amir said.
He said the mountain had been increasingly active since October 2004, when it spewed ash into the air to a height of about 600 meters.
The mountain was closed to the public following an earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale on April 24, he added.
According to the nearby Kayu Aro Meteorology and Geophysics Agency, the last eruption of the mountain was in 1970. Previous eruptions were in 1964, 1963, 1960 and 1952.
The warning was given because the status of the volcano could easily change from "on alert" to "danger", Amir Syam, the Kerinci regency spokesman, said Friday.
"The regency administration has prepared a disaster mitigation coordination unit to evacuate residents if the volcano erupts," Amir said.
He said the mountain had been increasingly active since October 2004, when it spewed ash into the air to a height of about 600 meters.
The mountain was closed to the public following an earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale on April 24, he added.
According to the nearby Kayu Aro Meteorology and Geophysics Agency, the last eruption of the mountain was in 1970. Previous eruptions were in 1964, 1963, 1960 and 1952.
Mauna Loa is seen as a threat!
It's like a giant powder keg poised to explode. And the question isn't a matter of if Mauna Loa will erupt again, but when. And many Hawaii island residents are living in fear. Kilauea volcano has captured the attention of millions across the world with its on-going eruption. But when it comes to active volcanoes, Hawaii's Mauna Loa poses a big threat because of it's sheer size and huge eruptions. It is a hazard many aren't fully prepared for.
It looked like the creation of the world millions of years ago, as lava poured from the earth. But it was the scene at Mauna Loa just 22 years ago. Already scientists say this volcano is overdue for another eruption. "The long term average is one eruption every decade" said Frank Trusdell, one of the many geologists who work at the Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory , monitoring and measuring this mountain which looks tranquil and quiet now. But looks can be deceiving.
While Kilauea is visibly active - with steam vents and surface flows - Mauna Loa is most active underground where magma is being injected into this massive volcano. That injection of magma is needed before an eruption, which scientists say is not imminent. But Mauna Loa will erupt again. "It is building toward another eruption" says Trusdell.The question is when. Vulcanologists hope to answer that by monitoring and measuring earthquakes underneath the volcano. "We know that just before large eruptive events we see 2-3 earthquakes per minute" said Jim Kauakikaua of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Geologists are also keeping an eye on gas emissions and ground swelling."As magma is being injected into the volcano, it will have to expand to accommodate that."Scientists also know that historically Mauna Loa eruptions follow the same pattern."The initial part of the eruption will be lava fountains, usually several tens of meters high. They will feed very large lava flows, very fast moving lava flows" said Kauakikaua.Scientists don't know where that lava will go during an eruption, leaving many on the big island with big worries as they live with an active volcano.
"What's going to happen?" asks Kaumana resident Michelle Icari."Is it going to follow the same path? How much faster is it going to get there? Will my house be taken away? Are we going to lose everything?"
It looked like the creation of the world millions of years ago, as lava poured from the earth. But it was the scene at Mauna Loa just 22 years ago. Already scientists say this volcano is overdue for another eruption. "The long term average is one eruption every decade" said Frank Trusdell, one of the many geologists who work at the Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory , monitoring and measuring this mountain which looks tranquil and quiet now. But looks can be deceiving.
While Kilauea is visibly active - with steam vents and surface flows - Mauna Loa is most active underground where magma is being injected into this massive volcano. That injection of magma is needed before an eruption, which scientists say is not imminent. But Mauna Loa will erupt again. "It is building toward another eruption" says Trusdell.The question is when. Vulcanologists hope to answer that by monitoring and measuring earthquakes underneath the volcano. "We know that just before large eruptive events we see 2-3 earthquakes per minute" said Jim Kauakikaua of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Geologists are also keeping an eye on gas emissions and ground swelling."As magma is being injected into the volcano, it will have to expand to accommodate that."Scientists also know that historically Mauna Loa eruptions follow the same pattern."The initial part of the eruption will be lava fountains, usually several tens of meters high. They will feed very large lava flows, very fast moving lava flows" said Kauakikaua.Scientists don't know where that lava will go during an eruption, leaving many on the big island with big worries as they live with an active volcano.
"What's going to happen?" asks Kaumana resident Michelle Icari."Is it going to follow the same path? How much faster is it going to get there? Will my house be taken away? Are we going to lose everything?"
Indonesia faces ash rain!
Indonesia's thundering Mount Merapi, one of the most dangerous volcanos in the Pacific "Ring of Fire" spewed ash and small rocks on Friday and experts fear it could erupt anytime.
But authorities have not yet raised the alert level from "2" to "1", which would require the immediate evacuation of people living under the volcano that has been rumbling for about two weeks.
The ash rain only lasted two minutes and fell on just one village on the slopes of Merapi, which overlooks the ancient city of Yogyakarta, Edi Purwanto, an official at the Merapi evacuation post, said.
But local officials say it is difficult to predict when the volcano could erupt, and have been warning residents to evacuate.
Another official, Djilal, said an avalanche of rocks rolled down the slopes of Merapi, but caused no casualties or damage because the affected areas were not inhabited.
While the tower of sulphurous smoke over the volcano had risen to 500 metres (1,640 ft) on Friday, the area surrounding the volcano, which killed 70 people in a 1994 eruption and 1,300 in 1930, was bright with sunshine.
Indonesia has already moved more than 600 people away from Merapi, but officials put the total number of residents on and near the mountain at around 14,000, which includes villages in Central Java and Yogyakarta provinces.
Most of those relocated were women, children and the elderly. Some return to their homes near the volcano during the day to feed livestock, local officials say.
Villagers living on the slopes or in the shadows of Mount Merapi say they will stay put until nature gives them a strong signal, or the government forces them to leave. Many fear losing property and livestock if they go.
Gunung Merapi, or Fiery Mountain, is the most active volcano in Indonesia, which has the world's highest density of volcanos. Merapi is part of the "Ring of Fire", a vast zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions looping around the Pacific Ocean.
But authorities have not yet raised the alert level from "2" to "1", which would require the immediate evacuation of people living under the volcano that has been rumbling for about two weeks.
The ash rain only lasted two minutes and fell on just one village on the slopes of Merapi, which overlooks the ancient city of Yogyakarta, Edi Purwanto, an official at the Merapi evacuation post, said.
But local officials say it is difficult to predict when the volcano could erupt, and have been warning residents to evacuate.
Another official, Djilal, said an avalanche of rocks rolled down the slopes of Merapi, but caused no casualties or damage because the affected areas were not inhabited.
While the tower of sulphurous smoke over the volcano had risen to 500 metres (1,640 ft) on Friday, the area surrounding the volcano, which killed 70 people in a 1994 eruption and 1,300 in 1930, was bright with sunshine.
Indonesia has already moved more than 600 people away from Merapi, but officials put the total number of residents on and near the mountain at around 14,000, which includes villages in Central Java and Yogyakarta provinces.
Most of those relocated were women, children and the elderly. Some return to their homes near the volcano during the day to feed livestock, local officials say.
Villagers living on the slopes or in the shadows of Mount Merapi say they will stay put until nature gives them a strong signal, or the government forces them to leave. Many fear losing property and livestock if they go.
Gunung Merapi, or Fiery Mountain, is the most active volcano in Indonesia, which has the world's highest density of volcanos. Merapi is part of the "Ring of Fire", a vast zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions looping around the Pacific Ocean.
Japanese government getting ready to face Mount Fuji!
If Mount Fuji blows its top, the central government has a plan to keep a lid on the damage.
Its Central Disaster Management Council has decided on a base policy centering around two measures: early warning, and if necessary, speedy evacuation.
The plan calls for the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a series of special volcano bulletins if an eruption is deemed imminent.
The mildest would ask people to stay away from 3,776-meter Mount Fuji; the strongest would set off an immediate evacuation.
The timing and extent of any evacuation have not been decided, nor have the specific responsibilities of national and local authorities.
Based on a "hazard map" drawn up in 2004, the council split the potential evacuees into three groups: general residents; those requiring assistance, such as the disabled and elderly; and tourists, 20 million of whom visit the area every year.
If the meteorological agency releases a bulletin warning of a possible eruption, local authorities will call on tourists to avoid the "crater coverage area," where volcanic fissures would be likely.
In the event that the agency releases a more serious emergency volcano report, the government will convene its Coordinating Committee for Prediction of Volcanic Eruptions, on which dozens of volcano experts sit.
Local authorities will order the evacuation of everyone in the crater coverage area, and of people requiring assistance from those areas where lava could flow to within 24 hours.
The strongest report warns of an eruption that could endanger human life. In that case, authorities will order the evacuation of all districts where lava could hit within three hours. Buses and other means of transportation will be on hand at previously designated meeting places.
Local authorities have already begun to prepare.
Last June, Shizuoka Prefecture's disaster prevention council added a Mount Fuji eruption scenario to its regional disaster-prevention plan. Based on that plan, Fujinomiya, Fuji, Gotenba and Oyama compiled their own disaster-prevention measures.
And in Yamanashi Prefecture, a guide explaining volcanic phenomena in easy-to-understand terms was distributed to all households in November 2004 by a group of eight municipalities. There is also a plan to prepare a volcanic disaster map showing evacuation points and other information.
Its Central Disaster Management Council has decided on a base policy centering around two measures: early warning, and if necessary, speedy evacuation.
The plan calls for the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a series of special volcano bulletins if an eruption is deemed imminent.
The mildest would ask people to stay away from 3,776-meter Mount Fuji; the strongest would set off an immediate evacuation.
The timing and extent of any evacuation have not been decided, nor have the specific responsibilities of national and local authorities.
Based on a "hazard map" drawn up in 2004, the council split the potential evacuees into three groups: general residents; those requiring assistance, such as the disabled and elderly; and tourists, 20 million of whom visit the area every year.
If the meteorological agency releases a bulletin warning of a possible eruption, local authorities will call on tourists to avoid the "crater coverage area," where volcanic fissures would be likely.
In the event that the agency releases a more serious emergency volcano report, the government will convene its Coordinating Committee for Prediction of Volcanic Eruptions, on which dozens of volcano experts sit.
Local authorities will order the evacuation of everyone in the crater coverage area, and of people requiring assistance from those areas where lava could flow to within 24 hours.
The strongest report warns of an eruption that could endanger human life. In that case, authorities will order the evacuation of all districts where lava could hit within three hours. Buses and other means of transportation will be on hand at previously designated meeting places.
Local authorities have already begun to prepare.
Last June, Shizuoka Prefecture's disaster prevention council added a Mount Fuji eruption scenario to its regional disaster-prevention plan. Based on that plan, Fujinomiya, Fuji, Gotenba and Oyama compiled their own disaster-prevention measures.
And in Yamanashi Prefecture, a guide explaining volcanic phenomena in easy-to-understand terms was distributed to all households in November 2004 by a group of eight municipalities. There is also a plan to prepare a volcanic disaster map showing evacuation points and other information.
Imminent eruptions or not, people refuse to leave home
The volcanoes - Ubinas in Peru, South America, and Mount Merapi in Java, Indonesia - have been on the brink of blowing their tops for several weeks.
Many of the people who live near them are poor farmers and they don't want to leave their homes and animals.
Some people who have been moved out are returning by day to feed their animals.
Peru has been sending tonnes of aid - including tents, water, powder milk and bottles for babies - to people who have been moved from the area surrounding Ubinas.
Two hundred families have been evacuated, but a further 7,000 are thought to be in danger.
In Java, 600 people have been evacuated, but an estimated 14,000 live on the slopes surrounding Mount Merapi.
"To mobilise people is difficult because they are going on with their daily lives," said an official.
"Some were still even milking their cows."
Many of the people who live near them are poor farmers and they don't want to leave their homes and animals.
Some people who have been moved out are returning by day to feed their animals.
Peru has been sending tonnes of aid - including tents, water, powder milk and bottles for babies - to people who have been moved from the area surrounding Ubinas.
Two hundred families have been evacuated, but a further 7,000 are thought to be in danger.
In Java, 600 people have been evacuated, but an estimated 14,000 live on the slopes surrounding Mount Merapi.
"To mobilise people is difficult because they are going on with their daily lives," said an official.
"Some were still even milking their cows."
After 40 years of silence, a volcano in Peru wakes up!
Ubinas volcano in southern Peru had been inactive for almost forty years, however in February it began spewing gas and smoke. After weeks of eruptions, during which scientists observed the action, but local residents refused to leave the area, instead donning masks for themselves and their livestock, the latest eruption changed the situation.
After "Ubinas — about 470 miles southeast of the capital, Lima — spewed acid-laden ash and vapors into the air, killing livestock and causing eye and respiratory problems for nearby residents," Peru Evacuates Village Near Volcan (AP).
Aid sent to Peru volcano evacuees (BBC news): "So far no human lives have been reported lost, but llamas and alpacas have died from eating grass exposed to volcanic pollutants.
Peru's Institute of Geophysics has warned that a dome of incandescent lava seems to be building up in the crater."
After "Ubinas — about 470 miles southeast of the capital, Lima — spewed acid-laden ash and vapors into the air, killing livestock and causing eye and respiratory problems for nearby residents," Peru Evacuates Village Near Volcan (AP).
Aid sent to Peru volcano evacuees (BBC news): "So far no human lives have been reported lost, but llamas and alpacas have died from eating grass exposed to volcanic pollutants.
Peru's Institute of Geophysics has warned that a dome of incandescent lava seems to be building up in the crater."
A few facts about Mount Merapi!
Indonesia's Merapi volcano has been spewing thick smoke for more than a week and volcanologists say it may erupt soon.
Following are five facts about the volcano:
- Gunung Merapi, or Fiery Mountain, located in central Java overlooking the ancient royal city of Yogyakarta, is the most active volcano in Indonesia.
- Merapi has been witnessing small eruptions every two or three years, bigger ones every 10-15 years, and very large ones every 50-60 years.
- The biggest eruptions occurred in 1006, 1786, 1822, 1872 and 1930. The eruption of 1006 was so bad a Hindu kingdom was apparently destroyed while in 1930 more than 1,300 people were killed. The 1994 eruption claimed more than 60 lives.
- The 3,000-metre (9,800-ft) volcano is considered sacred by local people who believe a supernatural kingdom exists atop Merapi. Every year a priest climbs to the top to make an offering.
- Indonesia has the world's highest density of volcanoes and is located in the so-called 'Ring of Fire', a vast zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions looping around the Pacific Ocean and including Japan. Of these, 128 are active and 65 listed as dangerous.
Following are five facts about the volcano:
- Gunung Merapi, or Fiery Mountain, located in central Java overlooking the ancient royal city of Yogyakarta, is the most active volcano in Indonesia.
- Merapi has been witnessing small eruptions every two or three years, bigger ones every 10-15 years, and very large ones every 50-60 years.
- The biggest eruptions occurred in 1006, 1786, 1822, 1872 and 1930. The eruption of 1006 was so bad a Hindu kingdom was apparently destroyed while in 1930 more than 1,300 people were killed. The 1994 eruption claimed more than 60 lives.
- The 3,000-metre (9,800-ft) volcano is considered sacred by local people who believe a supernatural kingdom exists atop Merapi. Every year a priest climbs to the top to make an offering.
- Indonesia has the world's highest density of volcanoes and is located in the so-called 'Ring of Fire', a vast zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions looping around the Pacific Ocean and including Japan. Of these, 128 are active and 65 listed as dangerous.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Java Island may face volcanic eruption soon!
Residents living around Mount Merapi on the island of Java are preparing to flee if the volcano erupts, according to a report from Reuters. The volcano, which has been spewing smoke for almost two weeks, has killed nearly 1,400 people in two eruptions since 1930. According to Reuters, government officials have advised residents to leave the foothills of the volcano, but have not made any official orders.
Vulcanologists say that the volcano could erupt by the end of April. Mount Merapi is the youngest in a group of volcanoes in southern Java and has erupted at least 68 times since 1548. Accordingly, its name means "mountain of fire". In the shadow of Mount Merapi, lies Borobudur, an ancient Buddhist temple complex that is popular tourist attraction.
Volcano outside Yogjakarta on the island of Java, Indonesia According to Wikipedia, in 1006 a very large eruption blanketed all of central Java with ash and may have been ultimately responsible for the collapse of the Hindu Kingdom of Mataram civilization. Shortly thereafter, Muslims became the rulers of Java.
Vulcanologists say that the volcano could erupt by the end of April. Mount Merapi is the youngest in a group of volcanoes in southern Java and has erupted at least 68 times since 1548. Accordingly, its name means "mountain of fire". In the shadow of Mount Merapi, lies Borobudur, an ancient Buddhist temple complex that is popular tourist attraction.
Volcano outside Yogjakarta on the island of Java, Indonesia According to Wikipedia, in 1006 a very large eruption blanketed all of central Java with ash and may have been ultimately responsible for the collapse of the Hindu Kingdom of Mataram civilization. Shortly thereafter, Muslims became the rulers of Java.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Volcano's activity do not scare tourists away from Tanzania!
Not scared of travel advisory and warnings by wildlife conservationists in Tanzania’s famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area, tourists are flocking near the just erupted volcanic mount Oldonyo Lengai.
The only active volcano in Tanzania, Mount Oldonyo Lengai burst into flames few days ago and prompted tourist officials in the area issuing travel advisory warning tourists not to camp or visit the mountain base in fear of more volcanic activity.But tourists are happy to see such a natural phenomenon with full alert, said local tour operators from Tanzania’s northern tourist city of Arusha.Mount Oldonyo Lengai has attracted curious tourists with thirst to see volcanic eruptions and the spewed molten lava on its foothills.
The mountain’s volcano erupted twice during night hours days before Easter.Ngorongoro Conservation Area is World Heritage Site with unique geographical features blended with natural scenery, wildlife, the Maasai cultures and various archaeological sites where remains of the earliest man on earth were excavated.It is the home to about 42,000 Maasai pastoralists and over 25,000 African wildlife. The area is one among Tanzania’s leading tourist sites where wildlife and people share the same land.
Chief Conservator for Ngorongoro Emmanuel Chausi said no injuries were reported during the two reported eruptions, but it was a wise idea to advise both foreign and local visitors to keep away from the 370,000 year-old mountain.At least six villages occupied mostly by nomadic Maasai herdsmen were rocked by red-hot landslide, spewing scalding fumes and lava covering a big area on the mountain slopes.Mount Oldonyo Lengai is located about 200 kilometers west of the dormant and sleeping volcanic Mount Kilimanjaro – the highest peak in Africa and which geologists had predicted of possible volcanic eruptions.
Both the two mountains are tourist frequented hot-spots located in Tanzania’s northern tourist circuit.Recent eruptions were in sequence of other volcanic activities in the mountain with last eruption recorded to occur in 1983 after several and worst eruptions observed for a number of months in 1917 and 1926 while the 1940 incidence left a wide area devastated.Located inside the Eastern Rim of the Great African Rift Valley, Mount Oldonyo Lengai is a fascinating active volcano in the world because of its natrocorbonatite lava or highly fluid lava with no silicon elements in its natural contents.
The only active volcano in Tanzania, Mount Oldonyo Lengai burst into flames few days ago and prompted tourist officials in the area issuing travel advisory warning tourists not to camp or visit the mountain base in fear of more volcanic activity.But tourists are happy to see such a natural phenomenon with full alert, said local tour operators from Tanzania’s northern tourist city of Arusha.Mount Oldonyo Lengai has attracted curious tourists with thirst to see volcanic eruptions and the spewed molten lava on its foothills.
The mountain’s volcano erupted twice during night hours days before Easter.Ngorongoro Conservation Area is World Heritage Site with unique geographical features blended with natural scenery, wildlife, the Maasai cultures and various archaeological sites where remains of the earliest man on earth were excavated.It is the home to about 42,000 Maasai pastoralists and over 25,000 African wildlife. The area is one among Tanzania’s leading tourist sites where wildlife and people share the same land.
Chief Conservator for Ngorongoro Emmanuel Chausi said no injuries were reported during the two reported eruptions, but it was a wise idea to advise both foreign and local visitors to keep away from the 370,000 year-old mountain.At least six villages occupied mostly by nomadic Maasai herdsmen were rocked by red-hot landslide, spewing scalding fumes and lava covering a big area on the mountain slopes.Mount Oldonyo Lengai is located about 200 kilometers west of the dormant and sleeping volcanic Mount Kilimanjaro – the highest peak in Africa and which geologists had predicted of possible volcanic eruptions.
Both the two mountains are tourist frequented hot-spots located in Tanzania’s northern tourist circuit.Recent eruptions were in sequence of other volcanic activities in the mountain with last eruption recorded to occur in 1983 after several and worst eruptions observed for a number of months in 1917 and 1926 while the 1940 incidence left a wide area devastated.Located inside the Eastern Rim of the Great African Rift Valley, Mount Oldonyo Lengai is a fascinating active volcano in the world because of its natrocorbonatite lava or highly fluid lava with no silicon elements in its natural contents.
People forced to evacuate Merapi's imminent eruption
Indonesia has evacuated more than 600 people living near a rumbling volcano following warnings it could erupt in a few days, but some have refused to leave their land, officials said on Saturday.
Most of those who have been moved are women, children and the elderly, but hundreds are still living near the slopes of Mount Merapi on Java, which has been placed on "Orange Code" - the second highest alert level - due to an increase in tremors.
The volcano, which overlooks the ancient city of Yogyakarta, has been rumbling and spewing out thick clouds of smoke for nearly a week.
"We have been evacuating the residents since yesterday," said Edi Purwanto, an official at the evacuation station.
"About 630 people had been evacuated by last night."
He said volcanologists had predicted the volcano was likely to erupt at the end of the month but some villagers, particularly older people, had refused to move because they wanted to die on their own land.
Merapi's last major eruption was in 1994 when more than 60 people were killed. One of its most destructive eruptions was in 1930, when 1,300 people were killed.
Most of those who have been moved are women, children and the elderly, but hundreds are still living near the slopes of Mount Merapi on Java, which has been placed on "Orange Code" - the second highest alert level - due to an increase in tremors.
The volcano, which overlooks the ancient city of Yogyakarta, has been rumbling and spewing out thick clouds of smoke for nearly a week.
"We have been evacuating the residents since yesterday," said Edi Purwanto, an official at the evacuation station.
"About 630 people had been evacuated by last night."
He said volcanologists had predicted the volcano was likely to erupt at the end of the month but some villagers, particularly older people, had refused to move because they wanted to die on their own land.
Merapi's last major eruption was in 1994 when more than 60 people were killed. One of its most destructive eruptions was in 1930, when 1,300 people were killed.
Time to evacuate as Merapi volcano becomes more active!
A HUGE volcano in the heart of densely populated Java was today spewing thick clouds of smoke and hot lava, triggering plans to evacuate thousands of villagers.
Authorities placed Mount Merapi, which overlooks the ancient city of Yogjakarta, on Orange Code, or the second highest alert level.
"Due to a high level of tremor activities and the spewing of the lava, Mount Merapi is now on alert status," said Dali Ahmad, a volcanologist from the Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation.
Officials said the military had deployed more than 200 trucks and buses to evacuate villagers living on the slopes of Merapi, 460km west of Jakarta.
"We have conducted an evacuation drill and it appears that villagers have grown used to it," Sriyanto, a police official, said.
Mount Merapi's increased volcanic activity prompted President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to order preparations for evacuation.
Merapi's last major eruption was in 1994, when more than 60 people were killed.
One of its most destructive eruptions was in 1930, when 1300 people were killed.
Indonesia sits astride the geologically active Pacific "Ring of Fire" and has more than 100 active volcanoes.
Many Indonesians see activity in Mount Merapi in the mystical heartland of Java as an omen of a looming political eruption.
Thousands of villagers were evacuated in January 1997 when Merapi became more active, just months before the Asian financial crisis struck.
Most Javanese, who make up the bulk of Indonesia's 220 million people, are Muslim, but many cling to a spiritual past and believe a supernatural kingdom exists on top of Merapi.
Authorities placed Mount Merapi, which overlooks the ancient city of Yogjakarta, on Orange Code, or the second highest alert level.
"Due to a high level of tremor activities and the spewing of the lava, Mount Merapi is now on alert status," said Dali Ahmad, a volcanologist from the Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation.
Officials said the military had deployed more than 200 trucks and buses to evacuate villagers living on the slopes of Merapi, 460km west of Jakarta.
"We have conducted an evacuation drill and it appears that villagers have grown used to it," Sriyanto, a police official, said.
Mount Merapi's increased volcanic activity prompted President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to order preparations for evacuation.
Merapi's last major eruption was in 1994, when more than 60 people were killed.
One of its most destructive eruptions was in 1930, when 1300 people were killed.
Indonesia sits astride the geologically active Pacific "Ring of Fire" and has more than 100 active volcanoes.
Many Indonesians see activity in Mount Merapi in the mystical heartland of Java as an omen of a looming political eruption.
Thousands of villagers were evacuated in January 1997 when Merapi became more active, just months before the Asian financial crisis struck.
Most Javanese, who make up the bulk of Indonesia's 220 million people, are Muslim, but many cling to a spiritual past and believe a supernatural kingdom exists on top of Merapi.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Indonesia fears that people will evacuate at the last minute
Villagers living on the upper slopes of Mount Merapi, Indonesia's most active volcano, are being urged to prepare for evacuation after authorities warned that a major eruption may be imminent following heightened seismic activity.
Merapi, located on the densely populated border of Central Java and Yogyakarta provinces, has in recent days been spewing out thick sulfur clouds, with occasional spurts of lava and rocks. The volcano's status was last week upgraded to a Code Orange Alert – the second highest warning level before an imminent eruption. Authorities have warned that magma pressure is building up inside the volcano's craters.
The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry's Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (DVGHM) uses a system of four levels of alert:
- Alert 1 (Code Green – Active Normal – "Aktif Normal") - No activity based on monitoring visual seismicity and other events. No eruptions in foreseeable future.
- Alert 2 (Code Yellow – Danger - "Waspada") - Increased seismicity and other volcanic events such as gases. Visual changes around the crater and magmatic, tectonic or hydrothermal disturbances. Eruption is not imminent; however, due to the increased danger, local officials should prepare for a disaster.
- Alert 3 (Code Orange – Ready to Erupt - "Siaga") – Rapid rise in seismicity accompanied by obvious visual changes in the crater. Large eruption possible within one to two weeks, depending on data analysis.
- Alert 4 (Code Red – Active Danger - "Awas") – Begin evacuation due to small eruptions and/or potential for a large eruption spewing ash, lava and gases. A major eruption is imminent, possibly within 24 hours.
Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Aburizal Bakrie said Tuesday (18/4/06) that although Merapi's status has not yet been raised to Active Danger, locals should remain prepared for evacuation.
Women, children and the elderly from some villages closest to Merapi's mist and smoke shrouded summit have already started spending nights at relatives' houses located further downhill to get a headstart should they need to flee. Adult men are remaining at the villages to guard property and livestock against theft.
DVGHM has advised authorities to prepare for the evacuation of almost 30,000 people if Merapi's seismic activity intensifies.
Evacuation drills have been conducted, while the police and military have deployed more than 200 trucks and buses should villagers be ordered to leave. Authorities and Indonesian Red Cross officials have also been preparing temporary shelters equipped with food and medical supplies. Dozens of ambulance teams have been placed on standby.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called for a comprehensive evacuation plan and appealed to locals not to panic in the event of an eruption. "What I need is not merely information that Mount Merapi is still active and may erupt any time, but the most important thing for me is evacuation plans for the residents there if something happens," he was quoted as saying by state news agency Antara.
There are concerns that evacuation routes on part of the mountain may be impassable because several of the roads are in poor repair.
The Australian government has warned its citizens living in Yogyakarta city to stay away from Merapi, which is popular with climbers and nature enthusiasts. More than 40 Australians are studying at Yogyakarta's Gadjah Mada University, while various others also live in the city.
Some people living nearby the 2,968-meter volcano are unwilling to evacuate, claiming the situation is not yet dangerous because they believe local spirits guarding over the mountain will warn them before a major eruption occurs.
Although most locals are Muslims, many still follow traditional mystical beliefs involving the worship of ancient spirits. They believe Merapi's fiery gods can be appeased by throwing offerings of livestock, food and jewelry into the main crater.
In the past, many locals often ignored orders from government officials to evacuate when major eruptions were imminent. Farmers are attracted to Merapi's slopes because of the fertile soil, while many sand-miners work in rivers below the mountain.
Some farmers said they would not leave until wild animals such as wild boars, monkeys, deer and leopards start coming down from the slopes. Authorities said locals would also be unwilling to evacuate until they saw molten lava flowing down the mountain and noticed an increase in temperature.
Sultan Calls For Evacuation
Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, who some locals believe has direct connections to the gods of Merapi, on Tuesday warned that an eruption could occur within the next seven to 10 days. "Therefore, I ask the Sleman district administration to soon evacuate the people living in villagers areas close to Mount Merapi to lessen the risk of casualties," he was quoted as saying by Antara.
He asked the Sleman administration to prioritize the evacuation of residents in 10 villages: Kinahrejo, Palemsari, Kalitengah, Kaliadem, Ngangkrah, Tritis, Turgo, Boyong, Tunggul Arum and Ngandong because they are prone to the eruption.
The Sultan also called on residents of Cengkringan subdistrict to evacuate. "The sooner they leave their homes the better is."
He expressed concern that an evacuation would be too late if conducted once Merapi reaches Alert 4 status, as lava flows much faster than people, particularly the elderly, can flee to safety.
The Sultan called on villagers to also start evacuating their livestock, although he said farmers could still work on their land, provided they return at night to the shelters provided by the local administration.
Funding
The Social Affairs Ministry has prepared a Rp400 billion three-month contingency plan in anticipation of a possible eruption. Social Affairs Minister Bachtiar Chamsyah said the funding, taken from the state budget's Rp3 trillion disaster response fund, could be increased to Rp600 billion if insufficient.
He said his ministry has prepared emergency food stocks, including 100 tons of rice for the regencies of Sleman, Magelang and Boyolali. The fund is also being spent on securing cooking oil, clean water, torches, megaphones and generators.
Chamsyah said he plans to visit Dukun village in Magelang regency, which could be among the areas worst hit in the event of an eruption.
Separately, Health Minister Siti Fadilah Supari said her office had prepared bodybags and advised doctors from Yogyakarta and Solo to be prepared for a possible emergency. The Sardjito Yogyakarta Public Hospital has placed 30 doctors, 30 nurses and several ambulance teams on alert.
Merapi, which literally means 'mountain of fire', has experienced at least 68 major eruptions since 1548. In 1672, an eruption killed an estimated 3,000 people. Other notable eruptions occurred in 1930 (1,300 people killed), 1979 (60 killed), 1994 (66 killed by scorching heat clouds), and 2001 (2 killed).
Merapi, located on the densely populated border of Central Java and Yogyakarta provinces, has in recent days been spewing out thick sulfur clouds, with occasional spurts of lava and rocks. The volcano's status was last week upgraded to a Code Orange Alert – the second highest warning level before an imminent eruption. Authorities have warned that magma pressure is building up inside the volcano's craters.
The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry's Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (DVGHM) uses a system of four levels of alert:
- Alert 1 (Code Green – Active Normal – "Aktif Normal") - No activity based on monitoring visual seismicity and other events. No eruptions in foreseeable future.
- Alert 2 (Code Yellow – Danger - "Waspada") - Increased seismicity and other volcanic events such as gases. Visual changes around the crater and magmatic, tectonic or hydrothermal disturbances. Eruption is not imminent; however, due to the increased danger, local officials should prepare for a disaster.
- Alert 3 (Code Orange – Ready to Erupt - "Siaga") – Rapid rise in seismicity accompanied by obvious visual changes in the crater. Large eruption possible within one to two weeks, depending on data analysis.
- Alert 4 (Code Red – Active Danger - "Awas") – Begin evacuation due to small eruptions and/or potential for a large eruption spewing ash, lava and gases. A major eruption is imminent, possibly within 24 hours.
Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Aburizal Bakrie said Tuesday (18/4/06) that although Merapi's status has not yet been raised to Active Danger, locals should remain prepared for evacuation.
Women, children and the elderly from some villages closest to Merapi's mist and smoke shrouded summit have already started spending nights at relatives' houses located further downhill to get a headstart should they need to flee. Adult men are remaining at the villages to guard property and livestock against theft.
DVGHM has advised authorities to prepare for the evacuation of almost 30,000 people if Merapi's seismic activity intensifies.
Evacuation drills have been conducted, while the police and military have deployed more than 200 trucks and buses should villagers be ordered to leave. Authorities and Indonesian Red Cross officials have also been preparing temporary shelters equipped with food and medical supplies. Dozens of ambulance teams have been placed on standby.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called for a comprehensive evacuation plan and appealed to locals not to panic in the event of an eruption. "What I need is not merely information that Mount Merapi is still active and may erupt any time, but the most important thing for me is evacuation plans for the residents there if something happens," he was quoted as saying by state news agency Antara.
There are concerns that evacuation routes on part of the mountain may be impassable because several of the roads are in poor repair.
The Australian government has warned its citizens living in Yogyakarta city to stay away from Merapi, which is popular with climbers and nature enthusiasts. More than 40 Australians are studying at Yogyakarta's Gadjah Mada University, while various others also live in the city.
Some people living nearby the 2,968-meter volcano are unwilling to evacuate, claiming the situation is not yet dangerous because they believe local spirits guarding over the mountain will warn them before a major eruption occurs.
Although most locals are Muslims, many still follow traditional mystical beliefs involving the worship of ancient spirits. They believe Merapi's fiery gods can be appeased by throwing offerings of livestock, food and jewelry into the main crater.
In the past, many locals often ignored orders from government officials to evacuate when major eruptions were imminent. Farmers are attracted to Merapi's slopes because of the fertile soil, while many sand-miners work in rivers below the mountain.
Some farmers said they would not leave until wild animals such as wild boars, monkeys, deer and leopards start coming down from the slopes. Authorities said locals would also be unwilling to evacuate until they saw molten lava flowing down the mountain and noticed an increase in temperature.
Sultan Calls For Evacuation
Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, who some locals believe has direct connections to the gods of Merapi, on Tuesday warned that an eruption could occur within the next seven to 10 days. "Therefore, I ask the Sleman district administration to soon evacuate the people living in villagers areas close to Mount Merapi to lessen the risk of casualties," he was quoted as saying by Antara.
He asked the Sleman administration to prioritize the evacuation of residents in 10 villages: Kinahrejo, Palemsari, Kalitengah, Kaliadem, Ngangkrah, Tritis, Turgo, Boyong, Tunggul Arum and Ngandong because they are prone to the eruption.
The Sultan also called on residents of Cengkringan subdistrict to evacuate. "The sooner they leave their homes the better is."
He expressed concern that an evacuation would be too late if conducted once Merapi reaches Alert 4 status, as lava flows much faster than people, particularly the elderly, can flee to safety.
The Sultan called on villagers to also start evacuating their livestock, although he said farmers could still work on their land, provided they return at night to the shelters provided by the local administration.
Funding
The Social Affairs Ministry has prepared a Rp400 billion three-month contingency plan in anticipation of a possible eruption. Social Affairs Minister Bachtiar Chamsyah said the funding, taken from the state budget's Rp3 trillion disaster response fund, could be increased to Rp600 billion if insufficient.
He said his ministry has prepared emergency food stocks, including 100 tons of rice for the regencies of Sleman, Magelang and Boyolali. The fund is also being spent on securing cooking oil, clean water, torches, megaphones and generators.
Chamsyah said he plans to visit Dukun village in Magelang regency, which could be among the areas worst hit in the event of an eruption.
Separately, Health Minister Siti Fadilah Supari said her office had prepared bodybags and advised doctors from Yogyakarta and Solo to be prepared for a possible emergency. The Sardjito Yogyakarta Public Hospital has placed 30 doctors, 30 nurses and several ambulance teams on alert.
Merapi, which literally means 'mountain of fire', has experienced at least 68 major eruptions since 1548. In 1672, an eruption killed an estimated 3,000 people. Other notable eruptions occurred in 1930 (1,300 people killed), 1979 (60 killed), 1994 (66 killed by scorching heat clouds), and 2001 (2 killed).
Indonesians ignore evacuation call
Villagers living near a rumbling and swelling Indonesian volcano have ignored calls to evacuate after local officials were told to prepare for the worst. Authorities have placed Mount Merapi, which overlooks the ancient city of Yogyakarta, on Orange Code, the second highest alert level, amid fears of an eruption."Up until now, the intensity of volcanic tremors is still high and the crater wall is swelling, signaling internal pressure and accumulation of magma inside Mount Merapi," said Subandriyo, chief of Mount Merapi Observation Unit at the state-run Centre for Volcano Research and Technology Development.
Local authorities and governments around Merapi have been advised to take all precautionary actions to mitigatedisaster scenarios from possible volcanic eruption.Villagers living nearest to the slopes of Merapi, however, are still ignoring calls to flee the rumbling volcano as they go about their daily chores without much concern. Subandriyo said the complacency stemmed from the fact that the volcano's swelling, a sign of imminent eruption, was not yet visible to the naked eye.
Officials said the military had supplied more than 200 trucks and buses to evacuate villagers living on the slopes of Merapi near Yogyakarta, 460km west of the capital, Jakarta. Merapi's last major eruption was in 1994 when more than 60 people were killed. One of its most destructive eruptions was in 1930, when 1 300 people died. Indonesia sits astride the geologically active Pacific "Ring of Fire" and has more than 100 active volcanoes.
Local authorities and governments around Merapi have been advised to take all precautionary actions to mitigatedisaster scenarios from possible volcanic eruption.Villagers living nearest to the slopes of Merapi, however, are still ignoring calls to flee the rumbling volcano as they go about their daily chores without much concern. Subandriyo said the complacency stemmed from the fact that the volcano's swelling, a sign of imminent eruption, was not yet visible to the naked eye.
Officials said the military had supplied more than 200 trucks and buses to evacuate villagers living on the slopes of Merapi near Yogyakarta, 460km west of the capital, Jakarta. Merapi's last major eruption was in 1994 when more than 60 people were killed. One of its most destructive eruptions was in 1930, when 1 300 people died. Indonesia sits astride the geologically active Pacific "Ring of Fire" and has more than 100 active volcanoes.
From minor to major volcanic eruptions
The area around Mount Merapi in central Java has been put on the second highest level of alert, one below that needed to trigger a compulsory evacuation.
For the past few days, Mount Merapi has been in an angry mood, spewing smoke into the air and rumbling ominously.
Some 29,000 people have been told to be ready to evacuate their villages and emergency shelters have been set up.
On the northern approach road to the volcano, farmers are out in the fields tending their crops of rice, vegetables and chillies as usual.
Merapi is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, producing major eruptions roughly once a decade.
The last fatal explosion was in 1994, when 60 people were killed by clouds of burning gas.
After the tsunami disaster just over a year ago, the Indonesian government moved to improve its disaster preparedness and has already released emergency funds in case the worst happens here.
But nobody can say for certain when or if Merapi will blow.
For the past few days, Mount Merapi has been in an angry mood, spewing smoke into the air and rumbling ominously.
Some 29,000 people have been told to be ready to evacuate their villages and emergency shelters have been set up.
On the northern approach road to the volcano, farmers are out in the fields tending their crops of rice, vegetables and chillies as usual.
Merapi is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, producing major eruptions roughly once a decade.
The last fatal explosion was in 1994, when 60 people were killed by clouds of burning gas.
After the tsunami disaster just over a year ago, the Indonesian government moved to improve its disaster preparedness and has already released emergency funds in case the worst happens here.
But nobody can say for certain when or if Merapi will blow.
Volcanic eruption...a real threat to the population
One of the world's most active but least known volcanoes may be threatening a wave of destruction on the densely populated Indonesian island of Java.
The volcano, pictured here on April 15, is a 9,700-foot (2,900-meter) peak whose barren cone rises above the island's lush tropical landscape.
Called Merapi, meaning "mountain of fire" in Javanese, the peak has lived up to its name by erupting more than 60 times in the past 500 years. It's one of the most active of Indonesia's estimated 130 active volcanoes.
It's also a particularly dangerous one, says Lee Siebert, a volcanologist with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
"A lot of people live and work right on the flanks of the volcano itself," Siebert said.
The mountain occasionally produces explosive eruptions, but more commonly its growing lava domes collapse in searing avalanches of hot rock and gas that sweep down into populated areas.
The last of these cataclysmic avalanches—known as pyroclastic flows—occurred in 1994, killing several dozen people. A bigger eruption in 1930 killed 1,369 people, according to the Indonesian government.
"Merapi has probably had more pyroclastic flows than just about any other mountain on Earth," said Carolyn Driedger, a hydrologist at the Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, Washington.
The volcano, pictured here on April 15, is a 9,700-foot (2,900-meter) peak whose barren cone rises above the island's lush tropical landscape.
Called Merapi, meaning "mountain of fire" in Javanese, the peak has lived up to its name by erupting more than 60 times in the past 500 years. It's one of the most active of Indonesia's estimated 130 active volcanoes.
It's also a particularly dangerous one, says Lee Siebert, a volcanologist with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
"A lot of people live and work right on the flanks of the volcano itself," Siebert said.
The mountain occasionally produces explosive eruptions, but more commonly its growing lava domes collapse in searing avalanches of hot rock and gas that sweep down into populated areas.
The last of these cataclysmic avalanches—known as pyroclastic flows—occurred in 1994, killing several dozen people. A bigger eruption in 1930 killed 1,369 people, according to the Indonesian government.
"Merapi has probably had more pyroclastic flows than just about any other mountain on Earth," said Carolyn Driedger, a hydrologist at the Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, Washington.
Mount Merapi displays smoke and lava
The volcano that looms above his village is spewing smoke and lava, and scientists warn it could erupt anytime. But like many people farming the fertile slopes of Mount Merapi, Ismail says there is no need to panic.
"Merapi is part of my life, as it is all of our lives around here," he said Tuesday, as the 9,700-foot mountain rumbled in the background. "We know nature, and we are not worrying."
Volcanologists watching Merapi, in the heart of densely populated Java island, disagree.
Aside from the visible signs of increased activity at its peak, sensors within the crater have detected a rise in seismic movement in recent weeks, and a major eruption is possible, they say.
Authorities have been ordered to prepare for the possible evacuation of the thousands of people who live close to Merapi, which last erupted in 1992, sending out a searing cloud of gas that burned 60 people to death. About 1,300 people were killed when it erupted in 1930.
Mount Merapi lies about 18 miles from Yogyakarta, a city of 1 million people,
More than 100 trucks are on standby to transport refugees, and emergency shelters have been prepared and stocked with food and medicine, Social Affairs Minister Bachtiar Chamsyah told reporters in Jakarta.
Many people living around Merapi and the other 129 active volcanos in Indonesia - more than any other nation - believe that spirits watch over the peak and will warn them when a major eruption is imminent.
Although most Indonesians are Muslim, many also follow animist beliefs and worship ancient spirits. Often at full moons, people trek to crater rims and throw in rice, jewelry and live animals to appease the volcanoes.
"If animals start coming down from the top then that is a sign for me to leave," said Ngadio, a rice farmer in a village on the dangerous western slopes of the volcano. "Hot clouds will always follow the animals' descent."
"Merapi is part of my life, as it is all of our lives around here," he said Tuesday, as the 9,700-foot mountain rumbled in the background. "We know nature, and we are not worrying."
Volcanologists watching Merapi, in the heart of densely populated Java island, disagree.
Aside from the visible signs of increased activity at its peak, sensors within the crater have detected a rise in seismic movement in recent weeks, and a major eruption is possible, they say.
Authorities have been ordered to prepare for the possible evacuation of the thousands of people who live close to Merapi, which last erupted in 1992, sending out a searing cloud of gas that burned 60 people to death. About 1,300 people were killed when it erupted in 1930.
Mount Merapi lies about 18 miles from Yogyakarta, a city of 1 million people,
More than 100 trucks are on standby to transport refugees, and emergency shelters have been prepared and stocked with food and medicine, Social Affairs Minister Bachtiar Chamsyah told reporters in Jakarta.
Many people living around Merapi and the other 129 active volcanos in Indonesia - more than any other nation - believe that spirits watch over the peak and will warn them when a major eruption is imminent.
Although most Indonesians are Muslim, many also follow animist beliefs and worship ancient spirits. Often at full moons, people trek to crater rims and throw in rice, jewelry and live animals to appease the volcanoes.
"If animals start coming down from the top then that is a sign for me to leave," said Ngadio, a rice farmer in a village on the dangerous western slopes of the volcano. "Hot clouds will always follow the animals' descent."
Ready to evacuate volcano region
Indonesia was preparing yesterday to evacuate thousands of villagers living on the slopes of one its deadliest volcanos after warnings the rumbling mountain could blow its top at any time.
Increased activity at Mount Merapi on the island of Java has prompted volcanologists to raise its warning status to "Beware," one notch below the highest level, which would require immediate evacuation of the thousands of villagers who farm its fertile slopes.
"We are on alert so that if Merapi is about to erupt, we can arrange the evacuation of villagers," said government volcanologist Heru Suparwoko.
Local officials were preparing dozens of trucks and stocking up on medicines to be used at temporary shelters, Suparwoko said. He was speaking by telephone from an observation station overlooking the 2,968-meter (9,737-foot) mountain.
Increased activity at Mount Merapi on the island of Java has prompted volcanologists to raise its warning status to "Beware," one notch below the highest level, which would require immediate evacuation of the thousands of villagers who farm its fertile slopes.
"We are on alert so that if Merapi is about to erupt, we can arrange the evacuation of villagers," said government volcanologist Heru Suparwoko.
Local officials were preparing dozens of trucks and stocking up on medicines to be used at temporary shelters, Suparwoko said. He was speaking by telephone from an observation station overlooking the 2,968-meter (9,737-foot) mountain.
Volcano erupts in Northern Tanzania
A volcano in northern Tanzania - known to locals as "the mountain of God" - has erupted, forcing about 3 000 people to flee clouds of ash, but luckily caused no deaths or serious injuries.
Oldonyo Lengai mountain erupted recently, said Emmanuel Chausi, an official with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority.
The mountain, which is shaped like a perfect cone with no trees in the middle of the savanna, is located just outside the conservation area and about 160km west of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak.
"Luckily there are no injuries or deaths," he told reporters on Tuesday, adding that both eruptions took place at night.
Oldonyo Lengai is the only remaining active volcanic mountain in Tanzania and its last significant eruption was in 1983, though the inside of the crater is active year-round.
The Maasai tribe believe their deity resides on top of the mountain in the African Rift Valley.
Oldonyo Lengai mountain erupted recently, said Emmanuel Chausi, an official with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority.
The mountain, which is shaped like a perfect cone with no trees in the middle of the savanna, is located just outside the conservation area and about 160km west of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak.
"Luckily there are no injuries or deaths," he told reporters on Tuesday, adding that both eruptions took place at night.
Oldonyo Lengai is the only remaining active volcanic mountain in Tanzania and its last significant eruption was in 1983, though the inside of the crater is active year-round.
The Maasai tribe believe their deity resides on top of the mountain in the African Rift Valley.
Mount Merapi threatens thousands of people
Authorities placed Mount Merapi, which overlooks the ancient city of Yogjakarta, on Orange Code, or the second highest alert level.
"Due to a high level of tremor activities and the spewing of the lava, Mount Merapi is now on alert status," said Dali Ahmad, a volcanologist from the Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation.
Officials said the military had deployed more than 200 trucks and buses to evacuate villagers living on the slopes of Merapi, 460km west of Jakarta.
"We have conducted an evacuation drill and it appears that villagers have grown used to it," Sriyanto, a police official, said.
Mount Merapi's increased volcanic activity prompted President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to order preparations for evacuation.
Merapi's last major eruption was in 1994 when more than 60 people were killed.
One of its most destructive eruptions was in 1930, when 1300 people were killed.
Indonesia sits astride the geologically active Pacific "Ring of Fire" and has more than 100 active volcanoes.
Many Indonesians see activity in Mount Merapi in the mystical heartland of Java as an omen of a looming political eruption.
Thousands of villagers were evacuated in January 1997 when Merapi became more active, just months before the Asian financial crisis struck.
Most Javanese, who make up the bulk of Indonesia's 220 million people, are Muslim, but many cling to a spiritual past and believe a supernatural kingdom exists on top of Merapi.
"Due to a high level of tremor activities and the spewing of the lava, Mount Merapi is now on alert status," said Dali Ahmad, a volcanologist from the Directorate of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation.
Officials said the military had deployed more than 200 trucks and buses to evacuate villagers living on the slopes of Merapi, 460km west of Jakarta.
"We have conducted an evacuation drill and it appears that villagers have grown used to it," Sriyanto, a police official, said.
Mount Merapi's increased volcanic activity prompted President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to order preparations for evacuation.
Merapi's last major eruption was in 1994 when more than 60 people were killed.
One of its most destructive eruptions was in 1930, when 1300 people were killed.
Indonesia sits astride the geologically active Pacific "Ring of Fire" and has more than 100 active volcanoes.
Many Indonesians see activity in Mount Merapi in the mystical heartland of Java as an omen of a looming political eruption.
Thousands of villagers were evacuated in January 1997 when Merapi became more active, just months before the Asian financial crisis struck.
Most Javanese, who make up the bulk of Indonesia's 220 million people, are Muslim, but many cling to a spiritual past and believe a supernatural kingdom exists on top of Merapi.
Indonesian volcano may threaten Aussies
AN Indonesian city that is home to dozens of Australians is bracing for an eruption from a volcano that killed more than 60 people the last time it blew.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned Australians to stay away from MtMerapi, a 2914m peak overlooking the central Javanese city of Yogyakarta, after Indonesian authorities upgraded its eruption alert status last week.
The mountain is popular for climbing but in recent weeks has spewed sulphur clouds hundreds of metres in the air and its peak has expanded in size by several metres.
Seismic activity has risen markedly. Volcano monitor Subandrio said that indicated magma was close to the surface.
During Merapi's last major eruption, in 1994, more than 60 people died, most from steam clouds accompanying lava flows.
In the past decade, hundreds of Australian students have attended Yogyakarta's Gadjah Mada University. Australian diplomats, aid workers and others also live in the city.
A spokeswoman for the Australian universities consortium that sends students to Gadjah Mada, Lestari Widiastuti, said yesterday that some of the 42 Australian students in the city had been keen to climb Merapi over the weekend despite an official ban, but she had dissuaded them. "It's not just the lava but also the hot ash in the air that can hurt you, and also the eruption can happen very suddenly," she said.
Farmers living on the mountain's upper slopes believe the best protection against eruptions is wearing a bamboo hat and throwing stones at the steam clouds, as well as lighting bamboo flares outside their houses.
"We've never had anyone (from our village) who was forced from their home or injured because of the steam," Walmi, 30, a farmer from the village of Paten, was quoted as saying in the national newspaper Kompas.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned Australians to stay away from MtMerapi, a 2914m peak overlooking the central Javanese city of Yogyakarta, after Indonesian authorities upgraded its eruption alert status last week.
The mountain is popular for climbing but in recent weeks has spewed sulphur clouds hundreds of metres in the air and its peak has expanded in size by several metres.
Seismic activity has risen markedly. Volcano monitor Subandrio said that indicated magma was close to the surface.
During Merapi's last major eruption, in 1994, more than 60 people died, most from steam clouds accompanying lava flows.
In the past decade, hundreds of Australian students have attended Yogyakarta's Gadjah Mada University. Australian diplomats, aid workers and others also live in the city.
A spokeswoman for the Australian universities consortium that sends students to Gadjah Mada, Lestari Widiastuti, said yesterday that some of the 42 Australian students in the city had been keen to climb Merapi over the weekend despite an official ban, but she had dissuaded them. "It's not just the lava but also the hot ash in the air that can hurt you, and also the eruption can happen very suddenly," she said.
Farmers living on the mountain's upper slopes believe the best protection against eruptions is wearing a bamboo hat and throwing stones at the steam clouds, as well as lighting bamboo flares outside their houses.
"We've never had anyone (from our village) who was forced from their home or injured because of the steam," Walmi, 30, a farmer from the village of Paten, was quoted as saying in the national newspaper Kompas.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Tourists warned to stay away from volcano
Tanzania has issued a travel advisory against tour guides taking tourists to Mount Oldonyo Lengai as the active volcano started erupting again.
The travel advisory was issued by the Tanzanian Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA).
Local English newspaper The Guardian on Saturday quoted NCAA PR and Information Officer Vincent Mbirika as saying that the warning had been necessary because more volcanic eruption is imminent.
"Tour operators have been warned not to pass near the mountain since doing so would put the lives of our visitors at risk," said Mbirika.
"We have been forced to take precautionary measures because we are not sure when another eruption will occur and to what proportion," added the park management official.
Mount Oldonyo Lengai, Tanzania's only active volcano standing at 3,450 meters above sea level, started erupting on March 30.
It is the world's only active sodium carbonate volcano and is the world's only volcano that erupts natrocarbonatite lava.
Natrocarbonatite lava usually contains almost no silicon and is much cooler in temperature than other lavas.
The highly fluid lava measures 510 degrees Celsius as against basaltic lava that can be as hot as 1,100 degrees Celsius.
Volcanic activities at Mount Oldonyo Lengai have been witnessed by many since the late 1980s. In July last year observers recorded a lesser eruption.
The last explosive activity of Mount Oldonyo Lengai was recorded in 1966. The volcano posted major eruptions back in 1917, 1926 and 1940.
The travel advisory was issued by the Tanzanian Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA).
Local English newspaper The Guardian on Saturday quoted NCAA PR and Information Officer Vincent Mbirika as saying that the warning had been necessary because more volcanic eruption is imminent.
"Tour operators have been warned not to pass near the mountain since doing so would put the lives of our visitors at risk," said Mbirika.
"We have been forced to take precautionary measures because we are not sure when another eruption will occur and to what proportion," added the park management official.
Mount Oldonyo Lengai, Tanzania's only active volcano standing at 3,450 meters above sea level, started erupting on March 30.
It is the world's only active sodium carbonate volcano and is the world's only volcano that erupts natrocarbonatite lava.
Natrocarbonatite lava usually contains almost no silicon and is much cooler in temperature than other lavas.
The highly fluid lava measures 510 degrees Celsius as against basaltic lava that can be as hot as 1,100 degrees Celsius.
Volcanic activities at Mount Oldonyo Lengai have been witnessed by many since the late 1980s. In July last year observers recorded a lesser eruption.
The last explosive activity of Mount Oldonyo Lengai was recorded in 1966. The volcano posted major eruptions back in 1917, 1926 and 1940.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Augustine's activity is slowing down
While the eruptions continue at Augustine Volcano, scientists say that activity there may be slowing somewhat.
Seismometers continue to record occasional avalanches and rockfalls at the volcano: activity consistent with a slow, relatively continuous eruption of lava from the summit dome.
But with little change in the lava flows down the North face, Alaska Volcano Observatory scientists think the rate of lava production may have decreased somewhat.
That has allowed the lava flows to cool.
“Looking at the color scheme for temperature, the actual snouts, or noses of the lava flows have cooled a little in the last three weeks. And that's actually another piece of information saying activity waning just a little bit. We're not feeding these lava flows at the same kind of rate,” said Dr. Tina Neal, USGS-AVO Geologist.
Augustine's lava flows are still very hot--about six hundred fifty degrees Celsius, or 12 hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
Seismometers continue to record occasional avalanches and rockfalls at the volcano: activity consistent with a slow, relatively continuous eruption of lava from the summit dome.
But with little change in the lava flows down the North face, Alaska Volcano Observatory scientists think the rate of lava production may have decreased somewhat.
That has allowed the lava flows to cool.
“Looking at the color scheme for temperature, the actual snouts, or noses of the lava flows have cooled a little in the last three weeks. And that's actually another piece of information saying activity waning just a little bit. We're not feeding these lava flows at the same kind of rate,” said Dr. Tina Neal, USGS-AVO Geologist.
Augustine's lava flows are still very hot--about six hundred fifty degrees Celsius, or 12 hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Galeras volcano blows off some steam!
This situation report is based on information provided to OCHA by the office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Colombia, and reports from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Red Cross of Colombia.
Situation
1. Increased seismic activity of the volcano Galeras, located in the department of Nariño in south-western Colombia, led the Colombian Institute of Geology and Mining (INGEOMINAS) to change its alert phase to Level II (likely eruption in days or weeks) on 28 March 2006. In 2005, the alert phase stood at Level II twice: for a month and a half in April/May, and for 24 days in November.
2. According to information provided by INGEOMINAS on 4 April, there is a permanent addition of solidified lava to the dome at the summit of the main crater, the outer layer of the dome has cooled in comparison to previous weeks, and micro-seismic activity is gradually decreasing both in terms of number of earthquakes and energy.
3. Flights over the top of the volcano over the past few days have confirmed that the main crater is capped and that gas and ash emissions are taking place in small quantity. Steam columns rose up to 500 m above the volcano. This behaviour has historically preceded volcanic eruptions. The National Director of INGEOMINAS has arrived from Bogotá and declared that the situation is "extremely critical". In the town of Pasto, a strong smell of sulphur prevails.
4. Intense rainfall has affected the area during the last hours. The Instituto Nacional de Vias (INVIAS) is removing the debris brought by the rains that is obstructing circulation along the main road connecting Pasto, La Florida, and Nariño municipalities. The National Police has restricted vehicle circulation in these areas from 21:00 to 07:00.
Impact
5. Several communities around the volcano are at high risk in Pasto, Nariño and La Florida. According to updated figures from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), 8,463 residents would need to be evacuated.
6. A rental subsidy has been made available to households as an incentive to voluntarily abandon areas at risk. According to the CRC, a high percentage of families from Nariño and La Florida have opted to evacuate using this option.
7. Despite an information campaign on the need to evacuate and the availability of the subsidy, the CRC reports that approximately 7,242 people remain in at-risk areas and many temporary shelters remain empty. Twelve temporary reception centres with medical assistance (7 in Pasto, 4 in La Florida, and one in Nariño) are ready to receive the population unwilling to resort to the rental subsidy option. According to the Red Cross, as of 6 April, 299 households (1,221 persons) have moved to 5 temporary shelters (El Vergel, Potreros, Fontibón, El Rosal, Postobón) in Pasto municipality.
National and Local Response
8. The Government has activated its National Operations Committee and its committees at department and municipal level (CREPAD and CLOPAD); contingency plans, and reactivated the order to evacuate high-risk areas.
9. The preventive Disaster Zone status given to the area during the alert phase in November 2005 continues to exist. Civil Defense has declared an Orange Alert for Pasto and has been mobilizing its own resources as well as deploying volunteers to the zone.
10. The Government has signed an agreement with the Colombian Red Cross (CRC), through the National Disaster Fund (Fondo Nacional de Calamidades), whereby the CRC will manage evacuation transport subsidies, rental subsidies, and the economic support that will be given to evacuating families for the transportation and care of their animals.
11. The CRC, which is part of National Operations Committee, has mobilized response teams. In Pasto, an initial team of 22 health and relief personnel of the Nariño branch mobilized to support evacuation and shelter operations has been reinforced by a team of 57 staff and volunteers of the Cauca, Quindio, Risaralda, and Valle branches specialised in medical care, search and rescue, water and sanitation, temporary shelter management, and damage assessment. A third team of close to 230 people from the Cundinamarca, Boyaca, Caldas, Quindio, and Tolima branches are ready to be deployed to the area within 24 hours should the need arise.
12. The Government is taking measures to improve living conditions in temporary shelters and access to basic services. Whereas temporary shelters were initially set up with tents and plastic sheeting, they are being improved or built with corrugated iron sheeting and wooden structures. Nevertheless, a large number of tents remain in some of the shelters.
13. While the local municipal authorities will continue to coordinate matters related to camp management, the CRC will assume the responsibility to manage temporary shelters and has signed agreements to this effect with the mayors of Pasto, La Florida and Nariño.
14. The CRC and Oxfam GB undertook a survey to evaluate SPHERE standards compliance in 12 temporary shelters. At the time of this report, there is no information on the results of the survey.
15. The Red Cross movement (IFRC, and the national societies of Colombia, France, The Netherlands, Ecuador, Spain and the US) are supporting local health authorities and providing direct medical assistance in the shelters. The National Police has established a presence in all shelters, and Civil Defense is supporting food distribution in the temporary shelters in Pasto.
International response
16. The UN System's Technical Emergency Team (UNETE) met on 31 March to review the situation and agreed that WFP, OIM, WHO and OCHA would each deploy a staff member to Pasto to join up with WHO, UNHCR, OIM and UNDSS staff already in the area and form a UN team that will provide technical assistance to the local authorities as required. WHO will coordinate the team given its experience in the area and knowledge of the situation. OCHA has sent a staff member and a vehicle to Pasto in order to logistically and technically support the UN team.
17. OPS/WHO is providing technical support to the health authorities. Its sub-office in Pasto has visited three temporary shelters to monitor work in progress and assess needs. During the visit, WHO provided technical guidance to improve the quality of the centres and strengthen the capacity of the local authorities to provide psychosocial services.
18. At Bogotá level, OCHA will coordinate the UNETE together with WHO and will ensure permanent contact with the National Disaster Preparedness and Response System in order to guarantee a timely and adequate flow of information. The UNETE will meet on a weekly basis to monitor the evolution of the situation.
19 . OCHA is in close contact with the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Colombia and will revert with further information as it becomes available.
20. OCHA is prepared to accept cash contributions to be used for immediate relief assistance, in support of the UN Resident Coordinator in Colombia.
21. This situation report, together with further information on other ongoing emergencies is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int Map: Colombia: Galeras Volcano - Situation map
Telephone: +41-22-917 12 34Fax: +41-22-917 00 23E-mail: ochagva@un.org
In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10
Desk Officer:
Ms. Marie SpaakE-mail: spaak@un.orgDirect Tel. +41-22-917 21 63
Press contact:
(GVA) Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, Direct Tel. + 41-22-917 2653
(N.Y.) Ms. Stephanie Bunker, Direct Tel. +1-917-367 51 26 / Mr. Brian Grogan, Direct Tel. +1-212-963 11 43
Nota: According to the Colombian Institute of Geology and Mining a similar reduction of micro-seismic activity was recorded prior to the eruptions in 1991-93.
Situation
1. Increased seismic activity of the volcano Galeras, located in the department of Nariño in south-western Colombia, led the Colombian Institute of Geology and Mining (INGEOMINAS) to change its alert phase to Level II (likely eruption in days or weeks) on 28 March 2006. In 2005, the alert phase stood at Level II twice: for a month and a half in April/May, and for 24 days in November.
2. According to information provided by INGEOMINAS on 4 April, there is a permanent addition of solidified lava to the dome at the summit of the main crater, the outer layer of the dome has cooled in comparison to previous weeks, and micro-seismic activity is gradually decreasing both in terms of number of earthquakes and energy.
3. Flights over the top of the volcano over the past few days have confirmed that the main crater is capped and that gas and ash emissions are taking place in small quantity. Steam columns rose up to 500 m above the volcano. This behaviour has historically preceded volcanic eruptions. The National Director of INGEOMINAS has arrived from Bogotá and declared that the situation is "extremely critical". In the town of Pasto, a strong smell of sulphur prevails.
4. Intense rainfall has affected the area during the last hours. The Instituto Nacional de Vias (INVIAS) is removing the debris brought by the rains that is obstructing circulation along the main road connecting Pasto, La Florida, and Nariño municipalities. The National Police has restricted vehicle circulation in these areas from 21:00 to 07:00.
Impact
5. Several communities around the volcano are at high risk in Pasto, Nariño and La Florida. According to updated figures from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), 8,463 residents would need to be evacuated.
6. A rental subsidy has been made available to households as an incentive to voluntarily abandon areas at risk. According to the CRC, a high percentage of families from Nariño and La Florida have opted to evacuate using this option.
7. Despite an information campaign on the need to evacuate and the availability of the subsidy, the CRC reports that approximately 7,242 people remain in at-risk areas and many temporary shelters remain empty. Twelve temporary reception centres with medical assistance (7 in Pasto, 4 in La Florida, and one in Nariño) are ready to receive the population unwilling to resort to the rental subsidy option. According to the Red Cross, as of 6 April, 299 households (1,221 persons) have moved to 5 temporary shelters (El Vergel, Potreros, Fontibón, El Rosal, Postobón) in Pasto municipality.
National and Local Response
8. The Government has activated its National Operations Committee and its committees at department and municipal level (CREPAD and CLOPAD); contingency plans, and reactivated the order to evacuate high-risk areas.
9. The preventive Disaster Zone status given to the area during the alert phase in November 2005 continues to exist. Civil Defense has declared an Orange Alert for Pasto and has been mobilizing its own resources as well as deploying volunteers to the zone.
10. The Government has signed an agreement with the Colombian Red Cross (CRC), through the National Disaster Fund (Fondo Nacional de Calamidades), whereby the CRC will manage evacuation transport subsidies, rental subsidies, and the economic support that will be given to evacuating families for the transportation and care of their animals.
11. The CRC, which is part of National Operations Committee, has mobilized response teams. In Pasto, an initial team of 22 health and relief personnel of the Nariño branch mobilized to support evacuation and shelter operations has been reinforced by a team of 57 staff and volunteers of the Cauca, Quindio, Risaralda, and Valle branches specialised in medical care, search and rescue, water and sanitation, temporary shelter management, and damage assessment. A third team of close to 230 people from the Cundinamarca, Boyaca, Caldas, Quindio, and Tolima branches are ready to be deployed to the area within 24 hours should the need arise.
12. The Government is taking measures to improve living conditions in temporary shelters and access to basic services. Whereas temporary shelters were initially set up with tents and plastic sheeting, they are being improved or built with corrugated iron sheeting and wooden structures. Nevertheless, a large number of tents remain in some of the shelters.
13. While the local municipal authorities will continue to coordinate matters related to camp management, the CRC will assume the responsibility to manage temporary shelters and has signed agreements to this effect with the mayors of Pasto, La Florida and Nariño.
14. The CRC and Oxfam GB undertook a survey to evaluate SPHERE standards compliance in 12 temporary shelters. At the time of this report, there is no information on the results of the survey.
15. The Red Cross movement (IFRC, and the national societies of Colombia, France, The Netherlands, Ecuador, Spain and the US) are supporting local health authorities and providing direct medical assistance in the shelters. The National Police has established a presence in all shelters, and Civil Defense is supporting food distribution in the temporary shelters in Pasto.
International response
16. The UN System's Technical Emergency Team (UNETE) met on 31 March to review the situation and agreed that WFP, OIM, WHO and OCHA would each deploy a staff member to Pasto to join up with WHO, UNHCR, OIM and UNDSS staff already in the area and form a UN team that will provide technical assistance to the local authorities as required. WHO will coordinate the team given its experience in the area and knowledge of the situation. OCHA has sent a staff member and a vehicle to Pasto in order to logistically and technically support the UN team.
17. OPS/WHO is providing technical support to the health authorities. Its sub-office in Pasto has visited three temporary shelters to monitor work in progress and assess needs. During the visit, WHO provided technical guidance to improve the quality of the centres and strengthen the capacity of the local authorities to provide psychosocial services.
18. At Bogotá level, OCHA will coordinate the UNETE together with WHO and will ensure permanent contact with the National Disaster Preparedness and Response System in order to guarantee a timely and adequate flow of information. The UNETE will meet on a weekly basis to monitor the evolution of the situation.
19 . OCHA is in close contact with the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Colombia and will revert with further information as it becomes available.
20. OCHA is prepared to accept cash contributions to be used for immediate relief assistance, in support of the UN Resident Coordinator in Colombia.
21. This situation report, together with further information on other ongoing emergencies is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int Map: Colombia: Galeras Volcano - Situation map
Telephone: +41-22-917 12 34Fax: +41-22-917 00 23E-mail: ochagva@un.org
In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10
Desk Officer:
Ms. Marie SpaakE-mail: spaak@un.orgDirect Tel. +41-22-917 21 63
Press contact:
(GVA) Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, Direct Tel. + 41-22-917 2653
(N.Y.) Ms. Stephanie Bunker, Direct Tel. +1-917-367 51 26 / Mr. Brian Grogan, Direct Tel. +1-212-963 11 43
Nota: According to the Colombian Institute of Geology and Mining a similar reduction of micro-seismic activity was recorded prior to the eruptions in 1991-93.
Three ski patrollers fall to their death
As reported by the Los Angeles Times and Mammothlocal.com Thursday, three ski patrollers at Mammoth Mountain, California, died when they fell 21 feet into a rock crevice at a natural steam vent, or fumarole, on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada ski area.
The accident occurred as the patrollers were securing the mountain following a late-season storm that dumped several feet of snow in the area. According to the earliest news reports, the patrollers were checking the fences around the vent when the snow collapsed.Mammoth Mountain's lifts are built on a dormant volcano with several active geothermal features.
On some parts of the mountain, near the popular Chair 3, for example, the vents are in close proximity to the trails. According to some of the news reports, the fatal accident happened at this location.The larger area surrounding the ski area and the town of Mammoth Lakes is encompassed by a massive caldera, the sunken crater of a collapsed super-volcano that erupted about 750,000 years ago, according to geologists.
Swarms of magmatic earthquakes regularly shake the area, which is also dotted with a bounty of natural hot springs. Earthquake scares have, on occasion, affected property values in the area, particularly back in the 1980s, when federal scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey warned of potential eruptions as they monitored an underground bulge of magma. The area is still watched closely for potential earthquake and volcanic activity.
Many local residents respect and honor that power in their personal lives, and there is even a small geothermal power plant near town. As a former long-time resident of the area and avid Mammoth Mountain skier, I am shocked and saddened to hear about this accident. For now, as skiers we can all pay respects and give thanks to all the patrollers around the West who work hard every day to try and keep the slopes safe for the rest of us.
The patrol deaths are the latest in a sad string of fatal accidents at Mammoth Mountain this season. Earlier in the year, six skiers died within a two-week span, including another ski patroller who was killed in a backcountry avalanche.The ski area also set a record for snowfall this season, passing the 617-inch mark on April 4, breaking the record set in the winter of 1992-'93.
The accident occurred as the patrollers were securing the mountain following a late-season storm that dumped several feet of snow in the area. According to the earliest news reports, the patrollers were checking the fences around the vent when the snow collapsed.Mammoth Mountain's lifts are built on a dormant volcano with several active geothermal features.
On some parts of the mountain, near the popular Chair 3, for example, the vents are in close proximity to the trails. According to some of the news reports, the fatal accident happened at this location.The larger area surrounding the ski area and the town of Mammoth Lakes is encompassed by a massive caldera, the sunken crater of a collapsed super-volcano that erupted about 750,000 years ago, according to geologists.
Swarms of magmatic earthquakes regularly shake the area, which is also dotted with a bounty of natural hot springs. Earthquake scares have, on occasion, affected property values in the area, particularly back in the 1980s, when federal scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey warned of potential eruptions as they monitored an underground bulge of magma. The area is still watched closely for potential earthquake and volcanic activity.
Many local residents respect and honor that power in their personal lives, and there is even a small geothermal power plant near town. As a former long-time resident of the area and avid Mammoth Mountain skier, I am shocked and saddened to hear about this accident. For now, as skiers we can all pay respects and give thanks to all the patrollers around the West who work hard every day to try and keep the slopes safe for the rest of us.
The patrol deaths are the latest in a sad string of fatal accidents at Mammoth Mountain this season. Earlier in the year, six skiers died within a two-week span, including another ski patroller who was killed in a backcountry avalanche.The ski area also set a record for snowfall this season, passing the 617-inch mark on April 4, breaking the record set in the winter of 1992-'93.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
3,000 people run away from volcano eruption in Tanzania
Oldonyo Lengai Mountain erupted on Sunday and Monday, said Emmanuel Chausi, an official with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority.
The mountain which is shaped like a perfect cone with no trees in the middle of the savanna, is just outside the conservation area and about 160 kilometers (100 miles) west of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak.
"Luckily there are no injuries or deaths," he told AP Tuesday, adding that both eruptions took place at night.
Oldonyo Lengai is the only remaining active volcanic mountain in Tanzania and its last significant eruption was in 1983, though the inside of the crater is active year-round.
The Masai tribe believe their deity resides on top of the mountain in the African Rift Valley.
The mountain which is shaped like a perfect cone with no trees in the middle of the savanna, is just outside the conservation area and about 160 kilometers (100 miles) west of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak.
"Luckily there are no injuries or deaths," he told AP Tuesday, adding that both eruptions took place at night.
Oldonyo Lengai is the only remaining active volcanic mountain in Tanzania and its last significant eruption was in 1983, though the inside of the crater is active year-round.
The Masai tribe believe their deity resides on top of the mountain in the African Rift Valley.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Villagers evacuate due to volcanic eruption
Villagers living around Mount Oldonyo Lengai in northern Tanzania have fled their homes as the active volcano started erupting again.
Local newspaper The Guardian on Saturday quoted Ngorongoro District Commissioner Assey Msangi as saying that minor eruptions at the volcano were not unusual.
"I have not yet received an official report, but eruptions are a common phenomenon at Mount Oldonyo Lengai because they occur almost every year," the local government official said.
The newspaper quoted eyewitnesses as saying that they heard rumbling sounds before the volcano began to discharge ashes and lava on Thursday.
Mount Oldonyo Lengai, standing at 3,450 meters above sea level, is the world's only active sodium carbonite volcano and is therefore the world's only volcano that erupts natrocarbonatite lava.
Natrocarbonatite lava usually contains almost no silicon and is much cooler in temperature than other lavas.
The highly fluid lava measures 510 degrees Celsius as against basaltic lava that can be as hot as 1,100 degrees Celsius.
Volcanic activities at Mount Oldonyo Lengai have been witnessed by many since the late 1980s. In July last year observers recorded a lesser eruption.
The last explosive activity of Mount Oldonyo Lengai was recorded in 1966.
Local newspaper The Guardian on Saturday quoted Ngorongoro District Commissioner Assey Msangi as saying that minor eruptions at the volcano were not unusual.
"I have not yet received an official report, but eruptions are a common phenomenon at Mount Oldonyo Lengai because they occur almost every year," the local government official said.
The newspaper quoted eyewitnesses as saying that they heard rumbling sounds before the volcano began to discharge ashes and lava on Thursday.
Mount Oldonyo Lengai, standing at 3,450 meters above sea level, is the world's only active sodium carbonite volcano and is therefore the world's only volcano that erupts natrocarbonatite lava.
Natrocarbonatite lava usually contains almost no silicon and is much cooler in temperature than other lavas.
The highly fluid lava measures 510 degrees Celsius as against basaltic lava that can be as hot as 1,100 degrees Celsius.
Volcanic activities at Mount Oldonyo Lengai have been witnessed by many since the late 1980s. In July last year observers recorded a lesser eruption.
The last explosive activity of Mount Oldonyo Lengai was recorded in 1966.
