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Anatahan eruptions decrease by 40 percent
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Posted on Feb 06 2005
The intensity of Anatahan’s current eruption declined by 40 percent; however, authorities said that Strombolian explosions still continue at the rate of several per minute.
This is according to the latest joint report from the Emergency Management Office and the U.S. Geological Survey, which indicated that ash still rises up to 10,000 feet in the air and may still be traveling with steam and vog some 50 nautical miles or more downwind.
The report revealed that vog was still traveling as far as Guam on Thursday, with a commercial pilot reporting that ash was detected rising up to 20,000 feet on his radar. Vog on Guam Thursday reportedly limited visibility to only seven miles.
The magnitude of the eruption intensified Monday and continued to intensify into early Tuesday morning, with its strength recorded at about 20 percent above the previous high, which was experienced on Jan. 26.
With prevailing north-northeasterly winds continuing to bring ash across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, EMO and the Department of Public Health maintains its volcanic ash and haze alert.
EMO and DPH reminds residents with serious lung problems, such as asthma, to avoid prolonged outdoor air exposure as the volcanic smog poses as health hazard by aggravating preexisting respiratory ailments.
Residents are urged to avoid drinking water collected from rainfall and to protect water supply by covering water tanks, as well as shutting off roof-collection systems.
All residents are also encouraged to consume only bottled water until their alternate source of drinking water has been flushed and clear of all volcanic debris.
“Do not consume water that has an acid taste or smell,” DPH said.
Anatahan remains off limits except for scientific expeditions by EMO and U.S. Geological Survey personnel.
An overflight is being planned, with USGS personnel scheduled to arrive today for tsunami presentations on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
