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. ...