Chaiten Volcano, Chile - John Seach

During a visit to Chaitén volcano in Chile on 9th July, John Seach observed lahar destruction of the town, ashfall damage to surrounding areas, and pyroclastic flow devastation on the north flank of the volcano. On the north side of the volcano at a location 3 km from the crater, an area of devastated forest was visited. Plinian eruptions, and pyroclastic flows, burnt forest and stripped trees of foliage. An area of 10 sq km on the north side of the crater was completely devoid of vegetation, except for some standing devastated trees. Trees up to a meter in diameter were snapped off at a height of 4 m. Fire had burnt the entire area. The field area consisted of a mixture of standing devastated trees, fallen trees, and deep ash deposits. A sharp distinction was observed between areas of devastated forest and standing untouched forest. Continuous ash fall occurred in Chaitén town. Lahars were reaching the town once per week. Residents were allowed into the town to evacuate possessions and begin the clean up. Residents reported hearing rumbling noises under the town, similar to the sound of running water.
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Kurikoma Volcano, Japan - John Seach

Hot volcanic plumes have been observed at Kurikoma Volcano in Japan. Aerial observations from a helicopter showed plumes were rising from several locations, about seven kilometers southwest of the summit of the volcano. Volcanic gases were possibly released after the magnitude 6.8 earthquake which hit 20 NW of the volcano three days ago.
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Japan Earthquake, 14th June 2008, magnitude 6.8 - John Seach

A large earthquake (Magnitude 6.8) hit northern Honshu, Japan, today at 08:43 am, local time. The epicentre was 100 km NNW of the city of Sendai, and the focus was at a depth of 10 km. Volcanoes close to the epicentre include, Kurikoma, Onikobe, Narugo, and Chokai. Kurikoma volcano is located 20 km SE of the epicentre, and last erupted in 1950.
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Chaitén Volcano, Chile - John Seach

Renewed strong eruptions have occurred at Chaitén volcano in Chile. On 12th June there were gas emissions and pyroclastic flows from the south side of the volcanic dome. Two new craters have formed at the volcano. Seismic activity increased on 12th June. The majority of earthquakes were smaller than magnitude 2, and were located under the volcano. Two larger earthquakes were located 5 km NE of the volcano.
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Mt Etna Volcano, Italy - John Seach

An increase in activity was reported at Mt Etna volcano on Monday evening. Explosive activity and lava flows occurred at the fracture at 2800 m elevation. Lava flowed into the Valle del Bove. Explosions were heard at nearby villages.
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Chaitén Volcano, Chile - John Seach

Eruptions continue at Chaitén volcano in Chile. The dome is growing fast. Explosive activity and eruptions of ash has decreased. Eruption column is below 3 km elevation, and is accompanied by abundant water vapour. Heavy rain continues to create a lahar hazard. Seismic activity is gradually decreasing.
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Soputan Volcano, Indonesia - John Seach

Soputan volcano in Indonesia erupted yesterday. At 10 am (local time) on 6th June, pyroclastic flows were recorded extending 4 km from the summit, and ash emissions reached 2 km above the volcano. Since March 2008 there has been an increase in ground temperatures and elevated seismicity at the volcano. During May there were 2 volcanic earthquakes per day. On 6th June there were 6 volcanic earthquakes, and volcanic tremor was recorded. During the rainy season, phreatic eruptions are possible from the hot lava dome. The closest inhabitants are 8 km from the peak. There is a camping ground 3-4 km from the summit which is in the danger zone. The alert status at Soputan volcano was increased to level 3 (out of maximum 4) on 6th June. A 6 km exclusion zone has been placed around the volcano. Climbing the volcano is not permitted, and the camping ground is closed. Residents should be alert for lahars in the rivers such as Ranowangko, Pentu, Lawian, and Popang.
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