Volcano warning sparks chaos for 300,000 US residents after they’re told to prepare for ‘explosive’ eruption
Topics: Environment, US News, Science
Mia Williams
Featured Image Credit: R.G. McGimsey / Alaska Volcano Observator
Topics: Environment, US News, Science
Residents of Alaska's largest town are 'getting ready for a volcanic eruption', after a scientist warned that it could be 'explosive'.
Scientists are warning those who live in Anchorage, home to nearly 300,000 people, that a volcano that sits just 81 miles away is due to erupt over the course of the next few weeks.
Matt Haney, the scientist in charge at The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), has suggested that it will be 'explosive', and that people should prepare appropriately.
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Mount Spurr is the volcano concerned, and stands at 11,000 feet tall.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Haney has noted that ash could rise 50,000 feet into the air as a result of the eruption.
He also warned that each episode could last between three and four hours, resulting in the surrounding areas being engulfed in a cloud of thick smoke.
According to the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN), humans being exposed to volcanic ash can cause multiple problems, especially for those who suffer with asthma.
After hearing about the concerning updates, residents in the large town have began stocking up on masks, latex gloves and jugs of water, as well as protective goggles and gas masks.
People are also getting protection for their pets, as one user on TikTok shared her dog's new goggles in preparation for the eruption.
She said: "We're getting ready for the volcanic eruption, check out the dogs."
Sat with her furry friends, she added: "They're not happy with the goggles.
"We have to get them ear protection next, and something to cover their bodies."
Anchorage officials raised the emergency planning level to Level 2 earlier in March, meaning communication with residents has massively ramped up.
Officials have advised people to keep their pets indoors as much as possible, and have supplies of food, water, and medication, to last up to two weeks.
They also urged people to brush any ash out of their pets fur if they do go outside.
Mount Spurr has experienced seismic activity over the course of the last year - giving signs of an impending eruption.
In October 2024, the rate of quakes increased from an average of 30 per week to 125 per week.
Earlier this week, experts at AVO wrote: "Unrest continues at Mount Spurr volcano.
"Seismicity remains elevated with occasional small, shallow volcanic earthquakes detected beneath the volcano over the past day."