Paluweh volcano (Flores, Indonesia): major explosion generates ash plume rising to 43,000 ft (13 km) altitude

Source: Volcano Discovery - 2/03/13, Tom Pfeiffer

A large ash plume rising to 43,000 ft (about 13 km) altitude and extending 175 nautical miles to the south was spotted last night by VAAC Darwin. The likely cause is either a major dome collapse triggering a large pyroclastic flow or a vulcanian explosion of the lava dome.

According to the first local press articles, an explosion has occurred last night at 23:36 local time. People from the north coast of Flores (17 km distance to the south) reported having heard rumbling and detonation sounds and seen incandescent lava ejections. A cloud of ash drifted over Flores and deposited about half a millimeter of fine ash in areas of the north coast. People were advised to stay home and wear dust masks.

No reports were found about the situation on Palueh Island itself.

The aviation alert level of the volcano was raised to Red.