Anatahan Volcano Update
Anatahan Volcano Update for May 8, 2004
Submitted Saturday, May 8, 2004 at 0845 local Anatahan time
The moderate eruption that began on April 24 is continuing. The eruption
initially produced a light ash cloud below 6,000 ft (2,000 m), but the
cloud persisted for only a day or so. Steam and ash are likely still
rising to a few thousand feet. Seismic activity since April 24 persists
at a high level and consists of discrete explosion signals. Over the
last few days, the explosions have become less frequent but more
energetic, possibly throwing material some hundreds of yards (meters)
out of the crater. The eruption could become more explosive at any time,
with little or no warning.
The Emergency Management Office, Office of the Governor, CNMI, has
placed Anatahan Island off-limits until further notice and concludes
that, although the volcano is not currently dangerous to most aircraft
within the CNMI airspace, conditions may change rapidly, and aircraft
should pass upwind of Anatahan or farther than 30 km downwind from the
island and exercise due caution within 30-50 km of Anatahan.
Contact persons:
Juan Takai Camacho, Geophysical Seismic Technician, EMO Saipan; tel:
(670) 322-9528, fax: (670) 322-7743, email: juantcamacho@hotmail.com
Ramon Chong, Geophysical Instrument Specialist, EMO Saipan; tel: (670)
322-9528, fax: (670) 322-7743, email: rcchongemo@hotmail.com
Frank Trusdell, Geologist, USGS; tel: (808) 967-8812, fax: (808) 967-8890,
email: trusdell@usgs.gov
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