The government maintained its public health alert for Tinian and Saipan due to the volcanic haze from Anatahan, even as the haze spread to Rota.
Although the smell of sulfur was not as bad as on Wednesday on Tinian and Saipan, the haze and sulfur odor were still persistent on the two islands.
The Emergency Management Office said the Rota Mayor's Office reported that the island also experienced hazy conditions yesterday, but not the sulfurous odor.
No private and public schools were closed.
EMO said that that based on reports from the U.S. Geological Survey and National Weather Service in Guam, the northerly wind flow patterns were still bringing some of the gases from Anatahan volcano to Tinian and Saipan.
EMO said the wind slightly shifted to the east, but haze and sulfur odor were still around Tinian, Saipan, and Rota.
EMO said the satellite and Ozone Monitoring Instrument images shows light to variable plume at Anatahan extending southsouthwest toward Saipan and Tinian and to the west of Rota.
As of 4:45pm yesterday, EMO said its SO2 analyzer reading indicated 74ppb (parts per billions).
“Concentrations of volcanic gases should be low.but the haze and odor may bother people with respiratory problems. People who experience breathing problems should remain indoors,” the agency said.
Anatahan volcano has been spewing out gas and steam since its eruption in May 2003.
Home | Weather | Advertising | Classifieds | Subscription | Contact
Us | About Us | Archives
©2006 Saipan Tribune. All Rights Reserved
