Volcanic ash, haze alert re-issued

The Emergency Management Office re-issued the volcanic ash and haze alert yesterday due to a change in wind direction, which could bring ashfall to the CNMI from the active Anatahan volcano.

The alert was effective as of 3:30pm yesterday after northwest winds shifted to north-northeast at 5 to 10 miles per hour, bringing volcanic haze from Anatahan across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

“These particles appears like a hazy film over the sky and can cause breathing difficulties,” EMO said. “If volcanic particles are visible or the odor detectible, residents are urged to report the information to EMO.”

The advisory was issued in coordination with the Department of Public Health and the National Weather Service on Guam.

Residents with serious lung problems, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor exposure and are advised to stay indoors until local health officials advise otherwise.

The public is also urged to protect the water supply from being contaminated, indicating that, although health effects from ash mixing onto water are very rare, there is a possibility that water may become highly acidic or contain too much fluoride.

“All residents are encouraged to consume only bottled water until their alternate source of drinking water has been flushed and cleared of all volcanic debris,” a part of the advisory read.

If water is contaminated or has an acid taste or smell, residents are cautioned from drinking the water. The public is also advised not to drink water collected from rainfall.

Water tanks should be closed and covered and roof collections systems should be turned off.

DPH advised that, to purify the water, 10 drops of chlorine bleach must be added to one gallon of water and let it stand for 30 minutes. The water may also be boiled for five minutes.

Fruits and vegetables must also be washed thoroughly.

EMO and DPH indicated that no threat of significant vog—volcanic smog—or acid precipitation is expected from the eruption.

Health complaints related to vog include headaches, breathing difficulties, increased susceptibility to respiratory ailments, watery eyes, sore throat, flu-like symptoms, and a general lack of energy.

Volcanic smog poses a health hazard by aggravating preexisting respiratory ailments.

This is the third volcanic haze and ash advisory issued since the eruption at Anatahan began on Jan. 5.

Anatahan continues to erupt, with explosions occurring at least every minute, similar to activity recorded in the past few weeks, EMO and the U.S. Geological Survey indicated in its latest joint report.

Seismicity level peaked by about 20 percent higher than its previous high. Explosions have since been larger but occurring at a less frequent rate.

On Jan. 27, a commercial pilot reported ash up to 10,000 feet, while satellite imagery showed a plume of ash and vog trailing 35 to 50 nautical miles downward.

EMO and the USGS indicated that current seismicity levels are lower than those recorded on Jan. 26.

Anatahan, an uninhabited island 120 miles north of Saipan, remains off limits until further notice.

DPH indicated that the Commonwealth Health Center is ready for any additional need for emergency assistance.

For assistance, contact CHC at 234-8950, Tinian Health Center at 433-9333/9263/9233, and the Rota Health Center at 532-9461/2/3.