Indonesian volcano Mt. Rokatenda (Paluweh) continues spurting out ash

Volcanic ash is reportedly spurting out of Mount Rokatenda, in Sikka regency, Indonesia due to increased volcanic activity since October 1, 2012. Based on analysis of satellite imagery and other data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 11-13 November ash plumes from Paluweh rose to an altitude of 2.4 km (8,000 ft) and drifted 90-150 km NW and W. People living around the volcano have been evacuated and shelters are provided at Hewuli village. Jakarta post reports that there have been cases of various illnesses, such as respiratory, eye and skin irritation.

Received FVAU0190 at 02:49 UTC, 19/11/12 from ADRM

VAAC:  Darwin 

VOLCANO:  Paluweh  0604-15

AREA:  Lesser Sunda Is

SUMMIT ELEV:  875M



AVIATION COLOUR CODE:  ORANGE

ERUPTION DETAILS:  VA PLUME OBS TO FL080 EXTENDING 35NM TO NW AT

19/0130Z.



RMK:  HEIGHT DERIVED FROM 19/0130Z MTSAT2 IR IMAGE AND KUPANG

18/1200Z SOUNDING  

NXT ADVISORY:  NO LATER THAN 20121119/0900Z

Source: Darwin VAAC

Also known as Paluweh, Rokatenda is a stratovolcano mountain located on the small island of Palu’e Island, north of Flores Island in Sikka Regency in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The biggest eruption occurred on 4 August – 25 September 1928, when a strong explosive eruption was accompanied by landslide-induced tsunamis and lava dome emplacement.

Paluweh captured by ISS  in October 2002 (“Image courtesy of the Image Science & Analysis Laboratory, NASA Johnson Space Center/Astronaut Photography of Earth  STS112-E-5629)

 

Volcano status as notified by Indonesia’s National disaster management agency:

7 Standby, 13 Watchful
Standby
Name Mount	As of Date
Raung	October 22, 2012
Rokatenda	October 13, 2012
Sangeangapi	October 10, 2012
Karangetang	August 8, 2011
Lokon	July 24, 2011
Ijen	July 24, 2012
Soputan	August 26, 2012
Alert
Name Mount	As of Date
Gamalama	October 9, 2012
Bromo	October 3, 2012
Papandayan	January 31, 2012

 

Featured Image: Global volcanism program – An unvegetated lava dome is visible at the summit of Paluweh volcano, also known as Rokatenda. The complex stratovolcano forms an 8-km-wide island located north of the volcanic arc that cuts across Flores Island. Photo by Volcanological Survey of Indonesia.