The volcano, Kick 'em Jenny, has erupted in a similar fashion every 10 years with the latest eruption occurring in 2001. Eruptions are not expected to reach the surface.
An orange alert level remains in effect for Kick ‘em Jenny, the submarine volcano located approximately 8 km north of the island of Grenada.
According to the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC), the change in alert level from yellow to orange was in keeping with increased seismic activity which began on July 11. The UWI-SRC has confirmed that a sharp increasing trend was observed during the period July 21 and 22, and that between 1:25 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, the most intense activity, an eruption, was observed. The UWI-SRC has also confirmed that from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday July 23, the activity level at Kick ‘em Jenny declined.
The seismic centre cautions, however, that it would be premature to assume that the eruption episode is over due to the decline, given that previous eruption episodes at this volcano usually include more than one eruption event.
Further, reports from the UWI-SRC indicate that the eruptions at Kick ‘em Jenny are following similar patterns as observed in the past and that since 1935 the volcano has erupted in a similar fashion every 10 years with the latest eruption occurring in 2001.
The UWI-SRC anticipates that the eruptions will not reach the surface, however, the potential exists. The greatest threat at this time is to maritime/shipping. Consequently, an exclusion zone of five kilometres has been established around the volcano which should be strictly observed. Members of the public are also asked to remain vigilant and on high alert and to continue to monitor the situation.
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) wishes to advise that the code orange alert refers to the Kick ‘em Jenny volcano and not to the islands of the Eastern Caribbean. Additionally, there is no tsunami warning for Saint Lucia at this time.
Since last evening's update, T-phase from the event was also recorded in Montserrat, confirming the nature of the activity. Updates will be provided as new information is received.
For information please contact the NEMO Secretariat at 758.452.3802/4318 or 758.468.2126; email at admin@nemo.gov.lc, or visit the Seismic Research Centre at www.uwiseismic.com.
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