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Iya

Photo of this volcano
  • Country
  • Primary Volcano Type
  • Last Known Eruption
  •  
  • 8.891°S
  • 121.641°E

  • 618 m
    2028 ft

  • 264110
  • Latitude
  • Longitude

  • Summit
    Elevation

  • Volcano
    Number
Most Recent Weekly Report: 3 January-9 January 2024 Citation IconCite this Report

PVMBG reported that during 1-31 December diffuse white plumes rose as high as 80 m above Iya’s summit. During most of that period seismicity was at normal levels and characterized by both deep and shallow volcanic earthquakes. A total of 55 deep volcanic earthquakes were recorded during the month with 12 of them recorded during 30-31 December, signifying a significant increase during that period. The Alert Level was remained at 1 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to limit activity near the active crater area.

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)


Most Recent Bulletin Report: 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.

Weekly Reports - Index


2024: January
2016: September | November


3 January-9 January 2024 Citation IconCite this Report

PVMBG reported that during 1-31 December diffuse white plumes rose as high as 80 m above Iya’s summit. During most of that period seismicity was at normal levels and characterized by both deep and shallow volcanic earthquakes. A total of 55 deep volcanic earthquakes were recorded during the month with 12 of them recorded during 30-31 December, signifying a significant increase during that period. The Alert Level was remained at 1 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to limit activity near the active crater area.

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)


2 November-8 November 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

PVMBG reported that after an increase on 29 September seismicity at Iya decreased significantly, with the number of deep volcanic earthquakes slowing from a rate of five per day or less, to none on 22 October. On 31 October the Alert Level was lowered to 1 (on a scale of 1-4).

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)


28 September-4 October 2016 Citation IconCite this Report

PVMBG reported that during 1 July-29 September variable-density white plumes rose as high as 150 m above Iya. During most of that period seismicity was at normal levels characterized by deep and shallow volcanic earthquakes each detected at a rate of less than 10 events per day. Between 1550 and 1800 on 29 September, however, the seismic network detected 17 volcanic earthquakes. Since the number of volcanic earthquakes was significant and above normal levels, the Alert Level was raised to 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned not to approach the crater within a 2-km radius.

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)


Bulletin Reports - Index

Reports are organized chronologically and indexed below by Month/Year (Publication Volume:Number), and include a one-line summary. Click on the index link or scroll down to read the reports.

02/1969 (CSLP 12-69) Eruption begins on 27 January with thick dark clouds

04/1969 (CSLP 12-69) Summary of January-February eruption




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.

This compilation of synonyms and subsidiary features may not be comprehensive. Features are organized into four major categories: Cones, Craters, Domes, and Thermal Features. Synonyms of features appear indented below the primary name. In some cases additional feature type, elevation, or location details are provided.

Eruptive History

There is data available for 8 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.

[ 1971 Jun 16 ± 15 days - 1971 Jun 16 ± 15 days ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1971 Jun 16 ± 15 days - 1971 Jun 16 ± 15 days Evidence from Unknown

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity Uncertain
   - - - -    - - - - Volcanic "smoke"
1971 Jun    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1969 Jan 27 - 1969 Jan 30 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode Crater II (upper SW flank)
1969 Jan 27 - 1969 Jan 30 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 14 Events for Episode 1 at Crater II (upper SW flank)

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Seismicity (volcanic)
   - - - -    - - - - Seismicity (tremor)
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Eruption cloud
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lapilli
   - - - -    - - - - Bombs
   - - - -    - - - - Lightning
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquake (tectonic)
   - - - -    - - - - Property Damage
   - - - -    - - - - Evacuations
1969 Jan 27    - - - - Fatalities
1969 Jan 27    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1953 Sep 4 - 1953 Sep 5 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1953 Sep 4 - 1953 Sep 5 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Audible Sounds
1953 Sep 4    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1888 Dec ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1888 Dec - Unknown Evidence from Unknown

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Volcanic "smoke"

1882 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1882 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1882    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1871 Sep 1 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1871 Sep 1 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1871 Sep 1    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1868 May 4 Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1868 May 4 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
1868 May 4    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1867 Jan Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1867 Jan - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1867 Jan    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1844 May Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1844 May - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1844 May    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1671 (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1671 (?) - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
1671
(?)
   - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1559 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode
1559 - Unknown Evidence from Unknown
Deformation History

There is no Deformation History data available for Iya.

Emission History

There is no Emissions History data available for Iya.

Photo Gallery

The largest historical eruption of Iya volcano took place in January 1969. During the course of a three-day eruption beginning on January 27 an eruption column reached 5 km above the volcano. Pyroclastic flows and lahars completely overran one village and damaged 7 others, destroying 287 houses.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft, 1969.
The southern side of the small Iya volcano in central Flores with a weak plume rising from a crater near the summit. Gunung Iya is the southernmost of three volcanoes forming a small peninsula south of Ende.

Photo by Ruska Hadian, 1985 (Volcanological Survey of Indonesia).
An old lava dome forms the light-colored feature at the right on the SE flank of Gunung Iya. It is part of a southernmost chain of cones forming a peninsula on the south-central coast of Flores Island.

Photo by Ruska Hadian, 1985 (Volcanological Survey of Indonesia).
The small Iya volcano is at the southern end of a peninsula on central Flores Island, seen here from the village of Kori Bari on the NW. Intermittent explosive eruptions have been recorded since 1671.

Photo by Ruska Hadian, 1985 (Volcanological Survey of Indonesia).
Gunung Iya (right), next to the Pui cone seen here at the left, is the southernmost of a group of three volcanoes forming a small peninsula on central Flores Island. It has shown eruptive activity in historical time with intermittent explosive eruptions recorded since 1671.

Photo by Ruska Hadian, 1985 (Volcanological Survey of Indonesia).
An ash plume rising above Iya is seen from Ende city on 27 January 1967. Iya erupted suddenly with no recognized precursory activity. The plume rose 5 km above the summit from a new 400-650 m wide crater on the upper SW flank, accompanied by a pyroclastic flow. Houses were damaged on the nearby island of Ende and one person was killed. Secondary lahars later caused another fatality in a village below the ash-covered cone of Raja. The eruption ended on 30 January.

Photo by Go Ciap Cing, 1969 (courtesy of Volcanological Survey of Indonesia).
GVP Map Holdings

The maps shown below have been scanned from the GVP map archives and include the volcano on this page. Clicking on the small images will load the full 300 dpi map. Very small-scale maps (such as world maps) are not included. The maps database originated over 30 years ago, but was only recently updated and connected to our main database. We welcome users to tell us if they see incorrect information or other problems with the maps; please use the Contact GVP link at the bottom of the page to send us email.

Smithsonian Sample Collections Database

There are no samples for Iya in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences Rock and Ore collection.

External Sites