Chile’s Villarrica volcano spews ash in renewed activity

March 2015 – GEOLOGY – The Villarrica volcano in southern Chile, which erupted on 3 March, has shown renewed activity. Officials raised the alert in areas near the Villarrica to orange, the second highest, and cancelled classes for more than 5,500 pupils. Thousands of people were evacuated earlier this month when it spewed ash and lava 1,000m (3,300ft) into the air. The 2840m-high Villarrica is popular with hikers. Hundreds climb the peak each summer to peer inside the crater. No-one died in the eruption on 3 March but there have been fatalities in the past. More than 100 people are thought to have been killed in mudflows on the slopes of the volcano during the 20th Century. –BBC

Hawaii volcano: Minimal activity in the downslope portions of the June 27 lava flow continue to be observed by Hawai’i County Civil Defense. Following its Thursday morning over-flight assessment, Civil Defense noted that although the downslope areas remains still, activity about eight miles upslope and closer to the summit area remain active. Small breakouts to the northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō have been noted throughout the week by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. A breakout that began along the northern flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō, the Feb. 21 breakout, has spread out at the northeastern base of the cone. The northern arm of the breakout near Kahauale’a is still burning trees that are located directly north of Pu’u Kahauale’a and the northeastern arm is following the edge of the flow.

Earlier in the week, breakouts were observed about 3-4 miles northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō. Those breakouts have become inactive as of Wednesday, according to HVO. A new set of breakouts, however, have been observed in the same proximity. None of the current lava activity is posing an immediate threat to communities in the area. Civil Defense, along with HVO, will continue to maintain observation of the flow and keep the public informed of any changes. Moderate to light smoke and vog conditions were observed Thursday morning as a light south wind was blowing smoke and vog in a northeast direction. These conditions, as usual, have the possibility of changing and individuals who are sensitive should take necessary precautions. –Big Island Now