Volcanic ash, haze alert lifted

Citing a change in wind direction, the Emergency Management Office and the National Weather Service on Guam lifted the volcanic ash and haze alert for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

EMO said the health advisory, issued two Mondays ago was lifted as of 11:30am yesterday morning.

The ash and haze carried across the islands from the ongoing eruption at Anatahan even reached Guam, causing limited visibility on all islands.

Several individuals also sought medical assistance due to respiratory problems brought on by the volcanic particles.

Anatahan continues to erupt with frequent explosions that returned to peak levels early Sunday morning.

According to the latest joint report from EMO and the U.S. Geological Survey, explosions occurred every one-two seconds before its level declined by about 10 to 20 percent.

The seismicity has become more variable, especially yesterday as explosions sometimes ceased for several minutes before larger explosions restarted the activity.

The two agencies said that in the last few days, the volcano has sent up ash as high as 15,000 feet and possibly 20,000 feet.

Anatahan’s third historical eruption began on Jan. 5. Several ash and haze advisories had been issued since then.

EMO director Rudolfo M. Pua earlier indicated that USGS personnel, scheduled to arrive last night, will make several presentations on tsunami as well as the ongoing activity at Anatahan.

The first historical eruption of Anatahan began May 10, 2003, sending ash to over 30,000 feet and depositing about 10 million cubic meters of material over the island and sea. The eruption ceased on June 14 before erupting again on April 9, 2004. That eruption ended on July 26, 2004.

High surf

EMO and NWS maintained its high surf advisory for the Mariana Islands, citing large northwest swells generated by a storm system east of Japan that continue to affect the Marianas.

“Hazardous surf of 7 to 9 feet…will continue through as least Thursday,” EMO said.

The public is advised to avoid venturing to exposed beaches and reef lines on the north- and west-facing coasts.

“These [events] are life threatening to anyone entering the water,” EMO said.

Quake assessment

Pua said he sent a memo to all government agencies yesterday, instructing them to conduct an assessment on damage to their buildings as a result of Saturday afternoon’s 6.6 earthquake.

The agencies are required to submit a report to EMO.

He indicated that so far, no major damage or injuries have been reported.

The quake—the ninth to hit the Marianas in two weeks—sent a frenzy of panic among residents and caused damage to various household and retail items.

Its epicenter was located about 55 miles north of Saipan and 25 miles south of Anatahan. It had no connection to the volcanic activity.