|
| Title |
| EWS for Volcanic Eruption in America |
| Maintained By |
Montserrat Volcanoe Observatory |
| Warning Years |
1997 |
| Variable Monitored |
seismicity, gas chemistry, deformation (GPS), electronic distance, borehole tilt, gravity, magma flow (prediction) |
| Format |
GIS, ASCII |
| Continuous Data |
No |
| Real Time Data |
No |
| Data Source |
MVO |
| Data Flow granted for |
Unknown |
| Funded Life Time of EWS |
Unknown |
| Technical Description |
| The MVO provides timely warnings of escalating activity. A state of emergency would be a matter for the civil authorities to decide on, with advice from the MVO.
EMERGENCY ESCALATION -- NIGHTTIME
Actions by Duty Scientist
(1) Assess the situation and determine whether there is a significant ash cloud or whether there is a need to travel to the MVO to check the seismicity.
(2) If an ash cloud is observed above 8,000 feet,
call NOAA Tel No (301) 763-8444 and
VC Bird Met Office Tel No (268) 462-4703
giving the time of the event, wind direction and estimated cloud height. Ask for any details they can give from pilot reports and observations.
(3) If the activity is serious or escalating, call the Director or designated deputy and provide information on observations etc.
(4) If the activity is ongoing or you are in doubt about the level of activity, contact and dispatch Tappy to the Observatory. Tel No 491-8444 or Pager No 492-9692
Actions by Director
(1) Make observations and if necessary travel to MVO to check on activity.
(2) Dispatch teams to Jack Boy Hill and/or Salem to make observations if no one is in the field already.
(3) If necessary, contact persons on the Emergency Call-down list.
Actions by Information & Press Officer
(1) Arrange for Director or designated deputy to make a live presentation on Radio Montserrat to explain the situation (491-7227). If Radio Montserrat doesn’t answer on this number or any of the other contact numbers (491-7242, 491-2885), call ABS Radio (268) 462-2998, Antigua and ask for an immediate live slot for an update on the volcanic situation in Montserrat.
(2) Depending on the wind direction and the islands likely to be affected ash conditions, contact VON Radio, Nevis (869) 469-1616 or
469-1700, or ZIZ Radio, St Kitts (869) 465-2555.
EMERGENCY ESCALATION -- DAYTIME
Actions by Duty Scientist
(1) Inform the following parties that there has been a sudden escalation in activity, briefly describe the activity, and advise them to evacuate to the safe zone as quickly as possible, but without panic. Tell them you will provide further information soon.
(i) Field teams on radio channels 1 and 2.
(ii) Any personnel in the Exclusion Zone on radio channel 1 and 2 and through Police Brades (491-2555 or 999) or Salem (491-5255).
(iii) Contact MVO Director or designated deputy for further instructions.
(2) Contact the helicopter pilot to advise of approaching ash cloud if appropriate (268) 464-8998 (cell) (268) 560-1021
(3) Contact Salem Observers for observations:
Carol – 491-5318 (h), Joe –491- 3432 (h) 492-8829 (p)
Actions by Director
(1) Dispatch observer to Jack Boy Hill to make observations if no one is in the field already.
(2) Follow ash alert procedure to inform air traffic control of ash hazards (incl NOAA).
(3) Assess situation and prepare briefing including recommendation for DTEZ.
(4) Contact persons on the Emergency Call-down list.
Actions by Outreach Officer
(1) Arrange for Director or designated deputy to make a live presentation on Radio Montserrat to explain the situation (491-7227). If Radio Montserrat doesn’t answer on this number or any of the other contact numbers (491-7242, 491-2885), call ABS Radio (268) 462-2998, Antigua and ask for an immediate live slot for an update on the volcanic situation in Montserrat.
(2) Depending on the wind direction and the islands likely to be affected ash conditions, contact VON Radio, Nevis (869) 469-1616 or
469-1700, or ZIZ Radio, St Kitts (869) 465-2555. |
| Publications |
| Wadge, G., Woods, A., Jackson, P., Bower, S., Williams, C., Huelsemann, F. (1998): A hazard evaluation system for Monserrat. In: Lee, B. & Davis, I. (1998): IDNDR Flagship Programme: Forecasts and Warnings. Sponsored by the UK National Coordination Committee for the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction , Thomas Telford Publishing, pp 3.1-3.32. |
| Conditions that Trigger The Warning |
| Escalating seismic or visual observations of escalating volcanic activity would trigger a warning.
Currently there is an exclusion zone where members of the public are allowed to enter daily under controlled conditions. We have set criteria for activating an evacuation of the area.
PROCEDURE FOR ASH ALERTS (MVO)
If an eruptive event occurs and there is ash in the atmosphere at altitudes of 8,000 ft or over; or if it is suspected that ash may have reached this altitude; the Duty Scientist will:
DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS (6.00am to 6.00pm)
· Inform Gerald’s Heliport by telephone. Collect any information on the height and direction of the ash plume.
491 4229
· Inform the Meteorological Watch Office, Piarco by telephone.
1 868 669 4392
· Inform Washington VAAC by telephone.
1 301 763 8444
AT NIGHT
· Inform VC Bird Air Traffic Control, Antigua, by telephone.
1 268 462 4703
· Inform the Meteorological Watch Office, Piarco by telephone.
1 868 669 4392
· Inform Washington VAAC by telephone.
1 301 763 8444
DURING A MAJOR ERUPTION
· The Duty Scientist will also contact the Flight Information Region Office at Piarco by telephone. |
| Recipients of the Warning |
Governor - Government
Government of Montserrat - Government
Emergency Operation Center, Montserrat - Government
police - Government
air traffic controlers - Government
- Government
- NGO
radio station - Other
- Other
|
| History of the Warning |
1.
Warning Issued:1997,August
Warning Followed By event:No
Action Triggered: Evacuation based on probablistic loss scenarios giving the probable number of fatalities with differnet evacuation boundaries
Comments: History of EWS unknown. |
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