National Park Evacuated as Volcano Erupts, Triggering Rock Storm and Ash Plume

A volcanic eruption at a national park triggered an explosive rock storm and ash plume, forcing emergency evacuations of visitors and nearby communities. Scientists warn of continued seismic activity.

A national park was abruptly evacuated Wednesday after a volcanic eruption sent an explosive rock storm and ash plume thousands of feet into the air, catching visitors and park officials off guard. The eruption, which began mid-morning local time, hurled volcanic bombs some the size of cars across the landscape and blanketed surrounding areas in fine gray ash.

Park rangers scrambled to evacuate hundreds of visitors as pyroclastic flows cascaded down the volcano's slopes. Video captured by fleeing tourists showed dark ash clouds billowing behind them as they raced toward exits. "It sounded like a continuous thunder, and then the sky went black," said one evacuee. "We could feel rocks hitting the ground around us."

The eruption triggered a "rock storm" phenomenon, where ejected volcanic material rains down over a wide area, damaging vehicles, structures, and vegetation. Authorities closed all roads leading into the park and established an exclusion zone extending several miles from the crater.

Nearby communities reported ashfall, with local officials distributing masks to residents and advising vulnerable populations to stay indoors. Air quality alerts were issued as ash particulates posed respiratory risks. Air traffic in the region was disrupted, with flights diverted or canceled due to ash plumes reaching cruising altitudes.

Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey are monitoring the volcano for signs of further activity. "This eruption caught many by surprise, though seismometers had detected increased activity in recent weeks," said Dr. Elena Martinez, a volcanologist. "We are now watching for potential lahars volcanic mudflows that could pose additional hazards if heavy rains occur."

The national park, one of the country's most visited, remains closed indefinitely. Federal emergency management teams have been deployed to assess damage and coordinate response efforts. No fatalities have been reported, though several visitors sustained minor injuries from falling debris.