Phreatomagmatic Eruption News at Epi Volcano

 

A new vigorous submarine explosion occurred at the volcano this morning.

Judging from available images, it was likely a phreatomagmatic eruption, generating a black dense ash column accompanied by a billowing round-shaped white-to-grey phoenix cloud, i.e. water and magma driven. Significant explosive interaction might be caused by presence of water.

Pyroclastic material rose about 100 meters above sea level.

Preceded the eruption, local people reported a steam emitting from the submarine volcano, a tell-tale sign of an impending eruption.

Based on the increased activity, authorities and the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department (VMGD) raised the level of the volcano to "Orange".

The warning bulletin states that ballistic impacts of volcanic bombs, pyroclastic flows and tsunamis could affect an area of about 10 km distance from the main crater. People on Epi and surrounding islands are advised to stay on alert for any large earthquake triggering a possible tsunami.

Aircraft and ships were warned to avoid the area because of the risk of ash plumes, gasses, as well floating pumice and other debris from the eruption. The current activity also presents a danger for aviation and precautions with air traffic must be taken.

The Tsunami Warning Center (TWC) hasn't registered any signs of higher waves so far. However, such eruptions have the potential to form tsunami waves and are not ruled out to may occur throughout the day.

Source: Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department volcano activity update 1 February 2023

For some informations about submarine volcanic complex;

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Epi_(volcano)