It was expected to be discontinued yesterday but more activity Thursday night and yesterday morning prompted scientists to keep the alert level up. It is to be reviewed at 10 a.m. today.
On Wednesday around 11:08 p.m. there was a strong earthquake which was preceded by a minor swarm of 10 to 15 micro-earthquakes directly beneath the volcano, said the Seismic Research Unit of the University of the West Indies in Trinidad. Then again at 6:29 p.m. yesterday there was a short eruption.
"In view of this we confirm that the state of Orange Alert has been extended until 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 8. A further decision will be made before then," the unit stated.
Since increased activity started last weekend there was a pattern of earthquake swarms followed by eruptions. Between 6 a.m. Tuesday and 9 p.m. Wednesday there were about 90 earthquakes, punctuated by four eruptions, but none broke the surface of the sea. The unit however warned that the area remained dangerous to shipping.
"It is almost certain that the eruptions of Tuesday evening have deposited a layer of hot rock around the summit of Kick 'em Jenny. This rock will continue to give off heat for a long time, causing the water around the volcano to be turbulent. The danger to shipping in the vicinity of the crater remains."
|
See also: |