47: Indonesian Mount Tangkuban Perahu volcano spews ash into sky

March 8, 2013 – JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesia scientists say they are closely monitoring a smoking volcano on Java Island, urging villagers and tourists to stay off the mountain’s slope. Government volcanologist Hendra Gunawan said Thursday that Mount Tangkuban Perahu in West Java province shot up smoke and ash nearly 500 meters (1,640 feet) into the air since Monday, and was placed at the second-highest alert level. It does not send debris or lava far down its slopes and nearby towns and villages were in no danger, but authorities warned tourists off limit its danger zone of 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) from the crater, citing a build-up of poison gas inside the peaks. The 2,084 meter (6,837 feet)-high mountain is one of Java’s most popular tourist attractions where people can hike to the edge of the crater to view boiling mud up close. It last erupted in 1983. –News Observer

Strong degassing at Soufriere Hills volcano:  Pungent fumes drifting over Antigua from Montserrat’s volcano sparked alarm yesterday, prompting disaster chiefs to issue a health alert. The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) told OBSERVER media that staff had received a number of calls from concerned members of the public complaining about a stench of sulfur. Director Philmore Mullin said a change in wind had blown gases from the Soufriere Hills volcano over to the island. He advised residents with sensitive eyes, or who suffer from asthma or other respiratory illnesses, to stay indoors. Sulfur dioxide is irritating to the eyes, throat and airways. It can cause a burning sensation, difficulty breathing for those with pre-existing conditions, and tightness in the chest. Mullin said, “We received several calls from people complaining about a foul smell, something like sulfur, so I called our counterparts in Montserrat and they confirmed there had been a wind change and fumes from the volcano were now coming our way.” He continued that emissions were not unusual for this time of year and that there was no immediate need to panic. “If you stand outdoors long enough and stick your tongue out, you will definitely get a sulfur taste. “People with respiratory issues may see some moderate attacks and if you have sensitive eyes, you could also feel burning.” The NODS director said there was a chance the gas could bring on an asthma attack. International guidelines suggest prolonged or repeated exposure to sulfur dioxide can be dangerous for people with pre-existing heart and lung diseases. –Antigua Observer

Increased volcanic activity reported from Mexico: A phase of increased activity has just started at Popocatépetl. Accompanied by strong tremor, a continuous ash and steam emission column is rising to 23,000 ft (7 km) altitude and drifting NW. –Volcano Discovery