Orange Alert issued for underwater volcano off Grenada; no need for panic local officials say

Map showing the location of the underwater volcano
Map showing the location of the underwater volcano

An Orange Alert was issued in Grenada on Thursday morning following “strong and continuing signals” on instruments monitoring the underwater volcano, Kick ’em Jenny, off the coast of that Caribbean island.

An Orange Alert means there is “highly elevated level seismic and/or fumarolic activity or other unusual activity.”

The alert also means that an eruption may begin with less than 24-hours notice.

In Dominica local disaster officials have said there is no need for panic, however the volcano is being closely monitored.

“We are in a state of monitoring, there is no need for panic there is no need for anxiety,” National Disaster Coordinator, Don Corriette said. “The situation as we are being advised by the Seismic Research Center states there is no danger except for shipping and aviation interest at the exclusive zone.”

He stated that the Office of Disaster Management will inform the public of any changes.

“Again I want to reiterate the Siesmic Reaserch Center is advising that there is no imminent threat of a tsunami towards Dominica and there should be no reason for us to panic….The Office of Disaster Management is going to continue to monitor the situation by the Seismic Research Center and if anything changes we will inform the media and the general public accordingly….”

In a statement the UWI Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC) said signs of elevated earthquake activity began on July 11 and continues to this day. Since that time more than 200 small of micro earthquakes have been recorded.

The center reports that 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,” the center said.

The seismic unit says all regional governments will be alerted of further activities through Disaster Coordinators.

Local radio stations in Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados and Trinidad have been placed on alert.

In addition, all shipping are required to stay outside the first exclusion zone that is 1.5km from the summit and non-essential shipping such as pleasure crafts should stay 5km clear of the summit, according to UWI-SRC.

The Kick ’em Jenny volcano is approximately 8km north of Grenada. The volcano is about 1300m high, and its summit is currently thought to be about 180m below the surface of the sea.

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28 Comments

  1. MandyB
    July 24, 2015

    You named your volcano Kick ’em Jenny? Is like you asking for trouble.

    • The Real Facts - ON
      July 24, 2015

      You are correct. It appears to be a curse. Who in their right sense would do that?

  2. J
    July 23, 2015

    The original news release is from UWI Seismic Research Centre. You can read updates from their news page – http://www.uwiseismic.com/

  3. Moin meme
    July 23, 2015

    you see what Skerrit causing?

  4. Chief Jaco
    July 23, 2015

    Kick ’em Jenny last erupted in 2001. Since it is 180m below surface underwater magma can erupt into the air. Lava and gas can destroy marine ecosystem and animals. A brand new island can be created. Have no fear but be educated and prepared for a worse case scenario, and with knowledge and technology we will survive.

    • ME
      July 23, 2015

      Rubbish! You need to go get educated, stop the misinformation, if you don’t know what you are talking about keep quiet and consult the experts. It is better to be thought of as a fool than……

    • The Real Facts - ON
      July 24, 2015

      Yes! Should the volcano erupt, this could occur. In fact anything could occur.

  5. jamesd
    July 23, 2015

    Brace yourselves. Prayer, punishment and prophecy comments incoming.

    • The Real Facts - ON
      July 24, 2015

      Are you scared to know the truth? Do you not know how disastrous it could be if a volcano erupted?

  6. The Real Facts - ON
    July 23, 2015

    This is cause for alarm. When all is quiet and appear to go smoothly, people tend to sit back and think all is well. It is then when we least expect it all hell breaks loose. We do know what is there to happen will always happen.
    Therefore, since this underwater volcano appears to be active be it on a low level, the best everyone can do is: “Worship and pray.” Then leave everything in the loving hands of God who knows best.
    I am further stating what is crossing my mind and what I have previously read, the Mother of God, the Ever Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Dear Lady and Spiritual Mother stated to a visionary: “Prayer can avert disasters.” She also stated, “Pray with the heart.” Her messages are for us all, God’s created children with no exception.
    Saint Padre Pio of Italy said: “Pray and do not worry.”
    I am adding, fervent and sincere prayers from the heart.
    Let us pray and hope this volcano will return to a dormant position.

  7. mine
    July 23, 2015

    This news is a very scary one everybody should go on their knees and pray only God knows.

    • the fly
      July 24, 2015

      Mine, stop talking rubbish and run for life, if the tidal comes and you will be save.

      • mine
        July 24, 2015

        Idot , I will be ok cause am covered with the blood.

    • The Real Facts - ON
      July 24, 2015

      You are correct. A few years ago, I experienced an earthquake in Toronto. It was 5.1 (or 5.0) on the Richter Scale. I have experienced a few smaller ones. This one was scary. I wondered what would happen next.
      One summer’s day in June, here I am in the kitchen making a salad and as soon as I made it, still standing near the sink, I felt myself moving. I looked ahead of me, the wall nearby and over the sink was moving. I looked back and noticed the fridge and stove were moving. I looked sideways through a hall and noticed a stand with some ornaments moving. The entire building was moving. I commenced praying.
      At that time I was alone. I had plans to go out that afternoon. I can tell you it was scary. You never know when disaster will strike. It comes like a thief in the night.
      At least the nearby islands are also notified. They are given a warning. It is a time for prayer.

  8. memoi
    July 23, 2015

    wow. this is scary to us in the southern Caribbean. if this volcano was to erupt, that would rock the entire Caribbean as it is a very deadly one. The scare of a tsunami and very strong earthquakes is a possibility.

    • truw
      July 23, 2015

      Who told you that it will rock the entire Caribbean? When Grenadians are busy going about there business as normal. An official statement was made that an eruption would pose no threat to coastal areas by tsunami or lava. This volcano is said to be the most active in the region erupting once every 10 years or so. Its crater is at least 100 meters below the surface of the water. My advice is that you need to stop this panic. We are much closer to monsterat and I cannot remember ppl getting on so.

      • The Real Facts - ON
        July 24, 2015

        Do you know that the volcano could change its habit, its course and really erupt? OK, so this person should not panic but it is wise to keep it in mind, pray and hope for the best.

    • ME
      July 23, 2015

      ridiculous! did it rock the Caribbean on 2001? Too much idiots on DNO

      • The Real Facts - ON
        July 24, 2015

        They may get the last laugh. You never know what is to come. Why call them idiots? They are being realistic, a lesson you could learn from them. :twisted:

  9. Daniel Abraham
    July 23, 2015

    Is Grenada north of Dominica? we must be careful because the strong winds can damage our fig and potatoes, yam, dasheen and mullets in the river you know it can even cause a land slide to pass on bayfront by cocorico.

    • Chief Jaco
      July 23, 2015

      Daniel, Dominica is north of Grenada. Hurricanes have strong winds that can damage property and crops. The volcano must erupt explosive enough and high enough for material to enter the Anti-Trades (High level wind flowing in the opposite direction to the trade winds) and carry it north to Dominica. Damage to crops will be determined by the quantity of volcanic ash we receive. But be assured that it can be only lava flow and only the surrounding marine ecosystem be affected.

    • me
      July 23, 2015

      Really? What are you talking about? Sounds like you’ve got your disasters mixed up

      • Condolences
        July 24, 2015

        He sounds disastrous to me !!

    • me
      July 23, 2015

      Hahahahaha, omg, you’re funny. Can’t help but laugh. You’re hilarious

      • The Real Facts - ON
        July 24, 2015

        When people are nervous and scared they also commence laughing. Is that what you are doing? :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

    • smh
      July 24, 2015

      lolololololoolololololololol…sorry but this too funny

  10. truth
    July 23, 2015

    Woow

  11. truththe
    July 23, 2015

    May Almighty God protect our Carribean brothers and sisters. In Dominica we have several volcanoes ,we too ,must watch and pray.

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