Pavlof Volcano in Alaska erupts

EarthzineEarth Observation

The U.S. Geological Survey has issued an aviation code red for Pavlov Volcano, one of the most active volcanos on the Alaska peninsula. Flights are being re-routed from the area. The volcano began a new eruption on Sunday (March 27, 2016) and sent ash 20,000 feet (6,000 meters) into the air that day, with ash going much higher on Monday. Falling ash and volcanic lightning have also been reported. Pavlof began erupting shortly after 4 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time (00:00 UTC) on Sunday. USGS said that:

Lava fountaining from the summit crater was observed throughout [Sunday] night by mariners, pilots, and by residents in Cold Bay, located 37 miles (60 km) to the southwest. Volcanic mudflows are likely on the flanks of the volcano and could present a hazard in the local river valleys.
The town mentioned above – Cold Bay, Alaska – and the town of King Cove, Alaska located about about 30 miles (50 km) to the northwest, each have populations of about 100 people, according to a 2010 census.