San Cristobal volcano (Nicaragua): spectacular eruption generated massive pyroclastic flows yesterday

Strong explosion generated massive pumice-and-ash flows yesterday (image: SINAPRED Nicaragua)

The volcano showed very dramatic activity yesterday morning.

An intense explosion took place from the summit vent, sending dense grey ash emissions, lapilli and lava bombs in various directions.

The powerful eruption culminated in dilute pumice-and-ash flows caused by a partial eruption plume collapse due to its higher density than the surrounding air. Pyroclastic flows tumbled down up to the base of the edifice, engulfing the vast area of the volcano by the billowing ash plume.
The height of the ash column is unknown and was reported yet neither by the local observatory nor the VAAC, but from available imagery seems to rose about 2-3 km above the summit.

Such events are nothing unusual on the volcano and occur from time to time, but rarely more frequently than every few months or so.