(EMO) — Anatahan has been emitting a gas and steam plume since its eruption, according to the Emergency Management Office, based on information from the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service on Guam.
Based on local observations and the detection of a sulfurous odor, it appears that volcanic haze has moved to Saipan and Tinian from Anatahan.
Low level light winds in combination with the passage of Typhoon Kong-Rey 01W have somewhat changed the wind direction from the north between Saipan and Anatahan.
This change of wind direction apparently has carried the haze southward toward Saipan and Tinian.
The USGS and National Weather Service could not detect the haze on either satellite or radar.
Based on this information, EMO said it expects the haze to linger around the Saipan-Tinian area for several hours.
The So2 analyzer reading at the Emergency Management Office indicated 228 parts per billion as of 5 p.m. yesterday.
Concentrations of volcanic gases should be low, but the haze and odor may bother people with respiratory problems.
People who experience breathing problems should remain indoors.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial would also like to inform the general public to tune in to local radio broadcast or local news sources or log in at Www.Cnmiemo.Gov.Mp on the internet for other statements and advisories.