Eruption Updates: Bulusan, Lokon-Empung and Kilauea

A couple quick updates on new and ongoing eruptions:

Lokon-Empung, Indonesia: Eruptions reader Ton Van Der AA brought us news about a small, new eruption at Lokon-Empung (Indonesian) in Indonesia. Ruskanda Farid of the local volcano observatory described the eruption as a phreatic event – a stream-driven explosion that shattered old rock at the summit of the volcano. The report mentions increased seismicity and higher temperatures at the summit crater as well. Lokon-Empung, which is actually twin volcanoes called Lokon and Empung (see top left), typically produces VEI 2-3 explosive events every few years, with the last eruptive episode happening in 2003.

Bulusan, Philippines:People have begun to leave the area around Bulusan after the explosions of earlier this week, including 2,000 people moved by the army. This comes with warnings from PHILVOLCS geologist Ed Laguerta that the ash from the eruption might trigger lahars if there is increased rainfall. The ash fall from this and other eruptions have already caused problems with the farmers whose livelihood depends on crops located on the slopes of Bulusan, along with reports of respiratory issues in towns near the volcano.

Kilauea, Hawai`i: We’ve been following the increased activity at Pu`u O`o and the Halema`uma`u Crater over the last few weeks. The most recent HVO update on Kilauea mentions that a new cycle of inflation started Monday evening. The deflation period that ended at 9:15PM on 2/21/11 was the largest amplitude and longest duration event at Kilauea since 2000. However, the switch back to inflation might suggest a new period of vigorous activity is coming soon.

As always, be sure to check out the available webcams for these volcanoes to see the action.

Top left: Undated image of Lokon-Empung in Indonesia.