Eruption at Alaska's Mount Spurr is likely and scientists say preparations should begin
Scientists are urging people who live in southcentral Alaska to begin preparing for a possible eruption of the Mount Spurr volcano.
Scientists are urging people who live in southcentral Alaska to begin preparing for a possible eruption of the Mount Spurr volcano.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory said now is a good time for Alaskans to "familiarize themselves with the possible hazards of a Spurr eruption" following last week's announcement that the likelihood of an eruption has increased.
"The major hazards to Alaska residents from Spurr would be from ash risk to aviation and possible ashfall," the observatory said in a Wednesday post on X.
Ash can hurt the eyes and lungs, damage vehicles and its weight can make it physically demanding to clear up. The observatory cautioned residents to stay indoors and wear a face mask outside if ash is present.
The eruption would cause volcanic mudflows and pyroclastic flows, which are hot, high-speed flows of ash, volcanic rocks, and gas. The observatory said the areas immediately surrounding the volcano would be affected by the pyroclastic flows. The volcanic mudflows pose very little risk because there are no communities in that area.
Rating: 5