February 21, 2003
Beginning around 10 February volcanic activity increased at Nyiragongo. Fine ash covered cars in the city of Goma and at 1142 a long-period earthquake occurred for more than 2 minutes that was followed by several small events and an increase in tremor amplitude. Residents near the volcano noticed an increase in plume height, a change in plume color from white to black, and a sustained rain of ash and Pele's hair. As of the 14th, Pele's hair continued to fall in Goma and an ash plume was visible rising at least 5 km above the crater. (
Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program).
According to a news report, on 8 February volcanic tremor occurred at Tokachi, Hokkaido, Japan, that lasted for 37 minutes. A Japan Meteorological Agency monitor did not see any emissions or other signs that an eruption had occurred. (
Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program).
Starting at the beginning of the report week (3-9 February), there was an increase in seismicity and surface activity at Lokon-Empung (northern Sulawesi, Indonesia) in comparison to the previous week. There were more emission, and deep and shallow volcanic earthquakes and ash emissions. On 8 February at 0443 an ash explosion was accompanied by the ejection of incandescent volcanic material. (
Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program).
