Kelut eruption - February 1990, Indonesia

The 10 February eruption of Kelut volcano began with small explosions between 11:41 and 12:35 local time¹. The main Plinian phase of the eruption began at 12:35 and lasted approximately 4 hours, devastating an area within 5 km of the summit, producing a 10 km high eruption column, and generating pumice-rich pyroclastic flows and pumice fallout mainly to the south-west A few small explosions followed the main eruption on February 11 and 12 1990¹,².

Although 42,770 people were evacuated from the immediate vicinity of the volcano, most damage and casualties were sustained outside the evacuated area, and caused by roof collapse associated with the accumulation of rain-soaked ash³,¹. The regencies of Blitar and Kediri were most affected and within a 35 km radius of the volcano drinking water sources were polluted by volcanic ash³.

¹ Bourdier, J-L, Pratomo, I, Thouret, J-C, Boudon, G & Vincent, P.M. 1997. Observations, stratigraphy and eruptive processes of the 1990 eruption of Kelut volcano, Indonesia. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research. Vol. 79, pp 181-203

² Surono, P, L. 1995. Seismic precursors of the February 10, 1990 eruption of Kelut volcano, Java. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research. Vol. 65, pp 135-146

³ ReliefWeb. 1990. Indonesia Volcanic Eruption Feb 1990 UNDRO Information Reports 1-2
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/OCHA-64CLD4?OpenDocument