STORM BRINGS VOLCANIC ASH, SULFUR TO SAIPAN
SAIPAN, CNMI (Marianas Variety, Jan. 17) – Volcanic ash and sulfur
reached Saipan and other islands in the Commonwealth of the Northern
Marianas Islands over the weekend as passing tropical storm Kulap changed the
prevailing wind direction, bringing Anatahan’s volcanic plume to
inhabited islands of the CNMI. Anatahan, located about 120 kilometers north
of Saipan, continued to erupt as of yesterday, according to the
Emergency Management Office. Some residents, however, have mistaken the
volcanic ash fall for normal dust. Thus, they went on with their outdoor
activities over the weekend like swimming and having picnics even though
there was a change in the air quality. The Department of Public Health —
after a notification from EMO — hoisted a volcanic ash health advisory
for the whole CNMI as early as Saturday.
2005.01.17
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