Summary of January-February eruption

Card 0491-0492 (10 April 1969) Summary of January-February eruption

Eruption of Mount Ija 27 January 1969 from 0400 to 1100 ejecting volcanic lapilli sand ash. Smoke caused by the eruption 5 km high having black, white, yellow, and blue colors. Ejected fire caused burning from top to slope for three hours. Thundering sound started from 0400 until 1100 sharp, stopping abruptly like the engine of an automobile being stopped. Since 1100 that day until 29 February it continued to eject smoke as big and as high during the time of eruption without thundering but at times producing explosive sounds. Gas pressure getting weak.

30 January till 4 February it continued to eject thick smoke as high as 500 m but in general reaching a maximum of 100 m while smoke thickness getting small. Lava flow and volcanic hot cloud did not appear and have no trace. Volcanic earthquake and volcanic tremor continuously felt for seven hours during the eruption. 1-6 February volcanic earthquakes maximum eight times minimum three times a day, one day none. Collapses maximum 43 times minimum four times a day. 7-17 February volcanic earthquake only once a day, three days none. Furthermore, tectonic earthquake occurred once. Collapses maximum seven times minimum two times a day. 18-25 February volcanic earthquake maximum four times twice a day, five days none, with additional tectonic earthquake thrice. Collapses maximum seven times minimum once a day, three days none.

The temperature of solfatara at the top on 10 February minimum 100°C. On 17 February maximum 315°C minimum 98°C. On 24 February maximum 300°C minimum 100°C. The temperature of solfatara at the top in normal condition maximum only 98°C. On 10 and 17 February solfatara in Region B produced sizzling sound, and on 24 February Region A inclusive all produced sizzling sound. The temperature of the atmosphere at the top on 10 February was 34°C, on 17 February it dropped to 33°C, and on 24 February it dropped to 32°C.

Information Contacts: Indonesian Volcanological Service, Ende, Flores, Indonesia; American Embassy, Djakarta, Indonesia.

Information is preliminary and subject to change. All times are local (unless otherwise noted)

February 1969 (CSLP 12-69)

Eruption begins on 27 January with thick dark clouds

Card 0408 (17 February 1969) Heavy dark clouds seen from 27 January eruption

The recent eruptive activity began on 27 January 1969 in the early morning between 0400 and 0700. During a flight between Kupang (Timor) and Den Pasar (Bali) on that day, the area of the disaster was covered by heavy dark clouds. Refugees of Endeh toen, the capital of Flores Island, are reported to have fled to Maumere, a village on the north coast of the island.

Card 0418 (20 February 1969) Residents evacuated following lava and smoke eruption

Inhabitants of the area surrounding the Ija Volcano fled from the dangerous grounds of this volcano, which spit hot lava and thick smoke. The volcano with its highest elevation of 650 m is considered a very dangerous volcano due to the two craters it has - one above and one below sea level. Ija volcano at Tandjing Endeh in Flores, erupted on 27 January. The crew of a G.I.A. airplane flying over Flores on route from Kupang to Den Pasar on the morning of 28 January witnessed a thick smoke above the disaster area. Surrounding residents and inhabitants have been evacuated to Maumhe? The Geological Service has sent an investigation team.

Information Contacts:
Card 0408 (17 February 1969) G.A. De Nève, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung.
Card 0418 (20 February 1969) Djajadi Hadikusumo, Geological Survey of Indonesia.

April 1969 (CSLP 12-69)

Summary of January-February eruption

Card 0491-0492 (10 April 1969) Summary of January-February eruption

Eruption of Mount Ija 27 January 1969 from 0400 to 1100 ejecting volcanic lapilli sand ash. Smoke caused by the eruption 5 km high having black, white, yellow, and blue colors. Ejected fire caused burning from top to slope for three hours. Thundering sound started from 0400 until 1100 sharp, stopping abruptly like the engine of an automobile being stopped. Since 1100 that day until 29 February it continued to eject smoke as big and as high during the time of eruption without thundering but at times producing explosive sounds. Gas pressure getting weak.

30 January till 4 February it continued to eject thick smoke as high as 500 m but in general reaching a maximum of 100 m while smoke thickness getting small. Lava flow and volcanic hot cloud did not appear and have no trace. Volcanic earthquake and volcanic tremor continuously felt for seven hours during the eruption. 1-6 February volcanic earthquakes maximum eight times minimum three times a day, one day none. Collapses maximum 43 times minimum four times a day. 7-17 February volcanic earthquake only once a day, three days none. Furthermore, tectonic earthquake occurred once. Collapses maximum seven times minimum two times a day. 18-25 February volcanic earthquake maximum four times twice a day, five days none, with additional tectonic earthquake thrice. Collapses maximum seven times minimum once a day, three days none.

The temperature of solfatara at the top on 10 February minimum 100°C. On 17 February maximum 315°C minimum 98°C. On 24 February maximum 300°C minimum 100°C. The temperature of solfatara at the top in normal condition maximum only 98°C. On 10 and 17 February solfatara in Region B produced sizzling sound, and on 24 February Region A inclusive all produced sizzling sound. The temperature of the atmosphere at the top on 10 February was 34°C, on 17 February it dropped to 33°C, and on 24 February it dropped to 32°C.

Information Contacts: Indonesian Volcanological Service, Ende, Flores, Indonesia; American Embassy, Djakarta, Indonesia.