Scientists urge people who live in Surcentral Alaska to start preparing for a possible eruption of the Mount Spurr volcano.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory said that it is now a good time for Alaska inhabitants to “familiarize themselves with the possible dangers of an eruption of Spuro” after the announcement of last week that the probability of an eruption has increased.
“The main dangers for Alaska residents of Spuro would be the risk of ashes to aviation and possible ash,” said the observatory in a Wednesday in X.
Ash can hurt the eyes and lungs, damage vehicles and their weight can make it physically demanding to clarify. The Observatory warned the residents to remain indoors and use a facial mask outside if there are ashes present.
The eruption would cause volcanic mud flows and pyroclastic flows, which are hot flows of ashes, volcanic rocks and gas. The Observatory said the areas surrounding the volcano would be affected by pyroclastic flows. Volcanic mud flows represent very little risk because there are no communities in that area.
Although people do not live in the immediate area surrounding Monte Spurr, it is a tourist destination. The nearby cities include Beluga, Nikiski, Salamatof, Tyonek and Susitna. Monte Spurr is almost 80 miles from Anchorage.
“Anyone who is considering a visit to the area around Spurr must be aware of these dangers, keep up with Spurr’s activity when registered for the volcano notification service and obey any restriction that land and emergency administrators can establish restrictions,” the position said.
The Observatory said that the moment, the location and duration of the impacts depend on the climatic conditions and the size and duration of the eruption.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory website establishes that the eruptions that occurred in 1953 and 1992 were explosive. In the eruption of 1953, a single powerful explosion of approximately one hour created a plume that was 30,000 feet high.
Around a room of ash fell on Anchorage, closing the Anchorage International Airport of Ted Stevens for two days.
In 1992, the eruption of the volcano caused three explosions that occurred in June, August and September. The Penacho of the first explosion reached 47,500 feet, and the second explosion caused the anchor airport to be closed for 20 hours.
