Based on reports from fishermen and people in coastal communities about 50 km away, CVGHM reported that eruption plumes from Batu Tara rose to altitudes of 1.2-2.2 km (3,900-7,200 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E during 18-19 March. In response, the Alert Level was raised from 1 to 2 (on a scale of 1-4). Based on information from CVGHM and satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that continuous diffuse plumes rose to 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted mainly SE during 21-27 March.

Geological Summary. The small isolated island of Batu Tara in the Flores Sea about 50 km N of Lembata (fomerly Lomblen) Island contains a scarp on the eastern side similar to the Sciara del Fuoco of Italy's Stromboli volcano. Vegetation covers the flanks to within 50 m of the summit. Batu Tara lies north of the main volcanic arc and is noted for its potassic leucite-bearing basanitic and tephritic rocks. The first historical eruption, during 1847-52, produced explosions and a lava flow.

Sources: Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)