Message:Changed Alert Level at Kick Em Jenny Submarine Level Orange Alert

Message:Changed Alert Level at Kick ‘em Jenny Submarine Level – Orange Alert

THE EVENT:

The Seismic Research Centre (SRC) reports that on Thursday, July 23rd from 1:25am to 3:00am local time, a strong continuous signal was observed on instruments monitoring the Kick ‘em Jenny submarine volcano. Signs of elevated seismicity (earthquakes) began on 11th July and continue to the present. For the period since the 11th July, a total of more than 200 micro and small earthquakes, of varying magnitudes, have been recorded, with the largest, prior to the strong signal, less than magnitude 3.0. There have also been observations from divers of degassing occurring off the west coast of Grenada in the Moliniere Sculpture Park area. This activity is being closely monitored by The UWI-SRC and further updates would be issued as more information becomes available.

PROGNOSIS

ORANGE ALERT:

An orange alert means that there is a highly elevated level of seismic and/or fumarolic activity or other unusual activity. An eruption may begin with less than twenty-four hours notice.

According to the Director at the SRC, the activity continues at Kick ‘em Jenny. So far the eruptions are following similar patterns as observed in the past. Since 1935 the volcano has erupted in a similar fashion every 10 years with the latest eruption occurring in 2001. It is therefore anticipated that the eruptions will not reach the surface, however, the potential exists. The greatest threat is to shipping at this time, however, civil authorities and the public should be on alert.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

Recommended action by Civil Authorities and the Public

3.1According to the SRC, based on the Orange Alert level,it is recommended that vulnerable communities are advised of evacuation routes and transport put on standby.

3.2Local radio stations in Grenada, St. Vincent, Barbados and Trinidad are to be placed on alert.

3.3The public are advised to listen to local radio continuously for updates and visit the Seismic Research Unit website if possible.

3.4All shipping should stay outside the first exclusion zone (1.5km from the summit).

3.5Non-essential shipping (pleasure craft etc) should stay 5km clear of the summit (second exclusion zone).

3.6Visiting scientists who are not taking part in essential monitoring are regarded as non-essential.

ACTIONS TAKEN BY CDEMA

4.1The CDEMA Coordinating Unit has been monitoring the situation through information received from the Seismic Research Centre. The alert level was raised to Orange today and the Director of the SRC, Dr. Richard Robinson made a Press Statement today on the volcano.

4.2Contact was made with the National Disaster Coordinators of CDEMA Participating States in the immediate area.

Grenada has advised that the Kick ‘em Jenny (under water) volcano has been acting up over the past 3 days, and there are more activities today than in the past days. A scientist from the SRC has been deployed to Grenada to strengthen the seismic monitoring instrumentation network. An Information Notice to all Marine Interest in the area (as advised by SRC), and The National Emergency Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet today at 1:30p.m.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has advised that there are monitoring the situation and are issuing a press release. They have also advised that the Prime Minister has been briefed and an information notice has been shared with marine interests in the region.

Saint Lucia has advised that they will be sharing a press release and are currently monitoring the situation.

Barbados has been contacted and conveneda meeting of emergency personnel to assess the situation and review their actions to address the situation.

4.3Staff at the CDEMA Coordinating Unit monitored radio, television, websites and internal email for information.

4.4.The Regional Response Mechanism (RRM) has been placed on alert.

CONCLUSION

The CDEMA Coordinating Unit will continue to monitor the situation to offer assistance to its Participating States as required.

Local radio stations in Grenada, St. Vincent, Barbados and Trinidad are to be placed on alert.

The public are advised to listen to local radio continuously for updates and visit the Seismic Research Unit website if possible at

The Regional Response Mechanism (RRM) has been placed on alert.

ADVICE ON TSUNAMI PREPAREDNESS

If you live in a low-lying area – for instance near to the beach – identify the quickest way to get to high ground. Generally a safe area is considered to be at least 30m (~100feet) above sea level and 3km (~ 2miles) inland. Teach and practice your evacuation plan with all family members.
If you recognize signs of a tsunami - such as a strong earthquake or the sea pulling back significantly from the coastline - leave the area immediately, run for high ground and stay there. Move uphill or at least inland, away from the coast.
Abandon your belongings. Save your life, not your possessions.
Do not count on the roads. When fleeing a tsunami caused by a nearby earthquake, you may find roads broken or blocked.
Sometimes tsunamis may occur without the initial pulling back of the sea. In this case, a massive wall of water may be seen approaching land. If you can see the wave you are already too close to outrun it.
If you are unable to move to higher ground, go to an upper floor (at least the 3rd storey) or roof of a strong building. As a last resort, climb a strong tree if trapped on low ground.
If swept up by a tsunami, look for something to use as a raft.
Expect many waves. The next wave may be bigger, and the tsunami may last for hours.
If possible, stay tuned to a radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
Help injured or trapped people and call for help if necessary.
Open windows and doors to help dry buildings.
Remove mud while it is still moist to give walls and floors an opportunity to dry.
Check food supply and test drinking water. Fresh food that has come in contact with flood water may be contaminated and should be discarded.
Check for damage to sewer and water lines.

People should continue to monitor the releases from the local national disaster office.

Contact Details: The CDEMA CU 24hr contact number is 246 434-4880