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Saipan, Tinian experience ash fall
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Posted on Aug 02 2005
Saipan and Tinian experienced ash fall yesterday as north winds brought a plume of volcanic ash and gases from Anatahan’s erupting volcano.
Volcanic ash reduced visibility to less than two miles in some areas on Saipan and Tinian and prompted airline flight interruptions.
Gov. Juan N. Babauta placed Saipan and Tinian—as well as Rota—under a volcanic haze declaration. He cautioned residents about experiencing haze and foul odor resulting from volcanic sulfur fumes.
The National Weather Service first issued a volcanic ash advisory for Saipan and Tinian at about 4am yesterday. Many residents noticed strong sulfur odor, while Saipan International Airport personnel observed ash on the tips of aircraft.
The Emergency Management Office said traces of ash were also apparent on solar panels powering its equipment on Saipan.
The Department of Public Health and the EMO issued a health advisory, warning residents, especially those with respiratory illnesses, that exposure to volcanic gases might cause breathing difficulties. The EMO also cautioned mariners, sea tour operators, fishermen and beach goers about reduced visibilities.
The NWS predicted, though, that winds would shift to the northeast last night and blow the haze away from the islands.
Anatahan’s volcano remains in constant eruption, according to a joint report by the EMO and the U.S. Geological Survey. Tremor levels continue to fluctuate and ranged from 40- to 60-percent of the peak levels observed from June 17 to 26.
“Data transmission has been sporadic, possibly due to interference caused by a change in direction of the ash plume toward Saipan,” the report stated.
Yesterday morning, the EMO and the USGS presumed the ash plume at an altitude of 15,000 feet moving southerly over Saipan, even though extensive cloud cover obscured satellite monitoring by the Air Force Weather Agency.
They stressed that aircraft should pass upwind of the island or beyond 10 nautical miles downwind, pointing out that conditions could change rapidly, and volcanic activity could just suddenly escalate.
