Ranakah volcano Alert Level raised to 2 of 4, Indonesia

The Indonesian Volcanological Survey (PVMBG) has raised the alert status for Anak Ranakah volcano in the district of Manggarai on the island of Flores in southeastern Indonesia to 2 out of 4 (meaning eruption warning) on August 26.

Seismic activity and volcanic have increased recently and the lava dome of Anak Ranakah is emitting a small plume of white steam.

Very little is known about the Ranakah volcano. There was only one previous eruption, which constructed Anak Ranakah lava dome in December 1987 – January 1988 during the volcano’s first historic eruption.

There is concern that the collapse of parts of the unstable lava dome could trigger pyroclastic flows.

Locals have been advised to stay far from the summit and climbers are currently not allowed to approach it. Volcanologists are monitoring the situation and local authorities.

A new lava dome formed at the base of the large older lava dome of Gunung Ranakahin in 1987 and was named Anak Ranakah (Child of Ranakah).

No previous historical eruptions were known from Ranakahin. An arcuate group of older lava domes extending westward from Gunung Ranakah occurs on the outer flanks of the poorly known Poco Leok caldera on western Flores Island.

Pocok Mandosawa lava dome, at 2350 m the highest point on the island of Flores, lies west of Anak Ranakah.

Chillymanjaro

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