By Sue-Ann Wayow
CARBON dioxide and sulphur dioxide are two of the gases emanating out of the La Soufrière volcano in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).
Research is presently being conducted by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Seismic Research Centre. The latest bulletin issued on Thursday at 8pm, by the SVG’s National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) stated that utilising a helicopter, thermal images of heat distribution, gas emission and dimension measurement of the new dome were taken.
NEMO stated that the dome continues to grow and was slightly bigger and higher than previously, growing laterally towards the east and west.
NEMO reported, “The scientists reported that carbon dioxide is also one of the gases coming out of the volcano, along with sulphur dioxide. Carbon dioxide does not have a smell and can be fatal.
“Alert level remains at Orange. The volcano continues to exude magma on the surface and steam can still be observed from the Belmont Observatory. Persons living in areas close to the volcano should expect strong sulphur scents for several days to weeks, depending on changes in wind direction.”
Additionally, work was completed on the seismic station in Owia and work began on the Fancy Station on Thursday.
NEMO reminded that although no evacuation notice was issued, members of the public should refrain from visiting the volcano and especially its crater since doing so can be extremely harmful.
Last month, the volcano which last erupted in 1979 begun threatening to erupt to life again causing the SVG’s Government to put special emergency measures in place during the Covid-19 pandemic.
