PDA

View Full Version : El Hierro on unofficial alert due to Volcanic activity



gazza
26-09-2011, 11:36
El Hierro on unofficial alert ?


During the days immediately after the tremors, which measured around 1.8-2.0 on the Richter scale, various so-called experts argued that the earth movements were probably a pointer to forthcoming undersea eruptions somewhere west of the Canaries. However, leading volcano specialist Juan Carlos Carracedo has subsequently stressed that the multiple quakes were, “perfectly normal”. “El Hierro is the youngest of the Canary islands, which are all of volcanic origin, so it is only natural that it should still experience movements, but these are no cause for alarm,” said Carracedo in an interview on Cope Radio. The vulcanologist, who was in the headlines several years ago for contradicting British scientist Simon Day’s controversial claims that an eruption in La Palma would cause a giant tsunami that would destroy the eastern seaboard of the United States, said only Spain’s National Geographical Institute was qualified to issue public alerts concerning seismic activity
http://www.islandconnections.eu/1000003/1000003/0/34008/canary-islands-article.html


The small earthquakes, which measured 3.4 and 3.2 on the Richter Scale occurred around 9pm and 11pm on Saturday and further ones are expected during today, say geologists. Unconfirmed reports from the island this morning say that locals are being advised to prepare the essentials for possible evacuation, although no official announcement appears to have been made in order not to trigger panic. The island's Cabildo has advised people to buy batteries for their radios to be able to monitor the local news for urgent messages.
http://www.islandconnections.eu/1000003/1000043/0/34370/daily-news-article.html

Muppet
26-09-2011, 12:14
It is an official yellow alert as of last Friday

http://www.laopinion.es/sociedad/2011/09/23/nivel-amarillo-situacion-sismo-volcanica-hierro/370173.html

Dustygouv
26-09-2011, 14:03
You can check it out on AVCAN.org

nicki
26-09-2011, 15:03
as i understand it, there is 10% possibility of having an eruption

londonjimmy
26-09-2011, 15:29
Do you have a source nicki? It's hard to believe that after 2 months of constant earthquakes and a huge magma bubble growing that it would just disappear? Very interesting, have the missus worried about Tenerife when I told her that it is the 3rd highest volcano in the world and still active!! :o)) Heheee! Gets her back for her keep moving all of my football stuff all the time!!

Fred Perry
27-09-2011, 20:39
Getting serious now;

After another day of hundreds of tremors (highest being 3.8 on the Richter scale) tunnels have been closed and residents evacuated from their homes. This really could be the first volcanic eruption in The Canary Islands since 1971 (that was on the Island of La Palma).

nicki
27-09-2011, 21:33
Update September 27, 2011: No special alerts on the www.emergenciaselhierro.org website, but we have noticed that EMSC listed 21 +2 magntude tremors on September 27 (00:00 until 17:12). Some tremors have been felt by the people living on the island which will probably make them even more nervous. The strongest ones were 3.4, 3.6 and 3.8.
The depth however is still at an average of 15 km. The most shallow ones are still at a depth of 11 km below the surface.
The 3.5 and 3.8 magnitude quakes have been felt on the island as weak shaking MMI III
At the point of publishing this update, the alert remains at "Amarillo" (Yellow)
Date Time Depth Magn
2011-09-27 16:04 11 2.6 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 15:44 17 3.8 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 14:59 16 2.5 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 14:38 11 3.6 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 14:27 17 2.6 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 14:18 13 2.7 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 12:35 16 2.5 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 12:31 16 2.8 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 11:46 15 2.5 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 11:31 15 2.5 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 11:23 17 2.6 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 11:00 14 2.6 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 09:58 15 2.5 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 09:53 15 2.5 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 09:37 16 2.7 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 09:32 14 3.4 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 08:43 15 2.7 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 08:16 12 2.6 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 08:04 15 2.9 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 07:58 16 2.6 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
2011-09-27 07:42 16 2.6 CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN REGION
Update September 26, 2011: Edward Lane, a regular reader of our volcano articles, informed us of a great 4D Quake Plot video which we have embedded.
Looking at the 4-D plotting of all current earthquakes, one can clearly see that the majority of tremors is still at a depth of 10 to 15 km, not directly below the island as it often is with other active volcanoes.

YouTube Direkt
Update September 25, 2011: El Cabildo de El Hierro sends a message of calm and security to the population.
The president of the Cabildo de El Hierro, Alpidio Armas, and the Minister of Security and Emergency Area, Maria del Carmen Morales, have appeared before the media on Sunday, September 25, to convey a message of calm and security to the population.
Main reason, the strongest earthquake so far (Magnitude 3.4 at a depth of 15 km).
Update September 25, 2011 : Rumors are circulating that a possible eruption of El Hierro volcano would lead to a giant tsunami. Every special effect in nature is translated by some people into wild disaster scenarios. Such a treat is highly unlikely (based on the seismicity mainly below the island). A below sea level eruption is highly unlikely. We are convinced that the Government of the Canary Islands and the scientists of the committee would certainly report such information when a dangerous situation could not be excluded. + Is is far from sure that an eruption would occur, even with more tremors and the current deformation.
The Canary Islands government has set the 'yellow alert' for the population of El Hierro as a lot of volcanic tremors are continuing to occur below the island since last July.
The 'yellow alert' decision bas been after consulting the PEVOLCA, and is based on the conclusions of the meeting of the Scientific Committee. The committee met on Saturday morning in El Hierro. Main reason for the alert increase where the increasing number of volcanic earthquakes as well as deformations (up to 30 mm change from the beginning).
The current 'yellow alert' phase does not mean that an eruption is eminent, but that the population will be informed on the risks and will be informed how to take certain protective action.
At this stage the 'Cabildo de El Hierro' will be responsible for informing the public of the practical aspects of the action plan including meeting points, shelters and evacuation plans.
The website is www.emergenciaselhierro.org.
The Canary Islands government will report weekly on the evolution.

MummyJ
27-09-2011, 22:43
LATEST

INFORMATION NOTE

The government evacuated 300 people tonight Border risk of landslides

Schools are closed in the municipality as a preventive measure
El Cabildo de El Hierro decides to close the tunnel from Los Roquille 23 hours until further notice
The Canary Islands government, given the risk of falls associated with volcanic seismic activity of El Hierro, and following the recommendations of scientists in the National Geographic Institute (IGN), which provides an increase in the intensity and frequency of seismic events from midnight will proceed to the preventive evacuation of some homes in the areas of Las Puntas, Sabin Risco Pie, Well of Health and Guinea, in the town of Frontera.

The number of people estimated to displace Valverde school residence and military headquarters in La Caleta Anatolian sources, will be approximately 300 people.

Also, the Cabildo de El Hierro will close the tunnel from Los Roquille at 11 tonight until further notice

As an additional measure, the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Security has moved to the Ministry of Education, Environment and Sustainability, the need to close schools in the municipality, if there were landslides affecting roads.

The Canary Islands government wants to send a message of peace and remind people that we are in yellow light, as was established on 23 September, and are not expected an imminent eruption.

The sequence of earthquakes may increase the frequency and intensity so that the citizens should also take into account the following recommendations:

marbro8
27-09-2011, 22:44
yes but is it still warm and is the beer still 1.50 euros:wink:

Andy0210
28-09-2011, 00:04
yes but is it still warm and is the beer still 1.50 euros:wink:

Tell that to the 300 people evacuated from their homes! ???

Oh forgive me, they are just Canarians not Tourists or Ex-Pats or Forum members :sorry:

marbro8
28-09-2011, 00:19
Tell that to the 300 people evacuated from their homes! ???

Oh sorry, forgive me, they are just Canarians not Tourists or Ex-Pats or Forum members :sorry:i did not mean to upset anyone i was just pointing out that it will not put me off coming to the island, and anyone watching this thread may be thinking" oh my god i ain't going to go to the canaries again":( and that is the last thing the islands tourism needs, i think that they have been evacuated as a precaution and the last thing the tourist trade need is being to frightened to visit:wink:

Andy0210
28-09-2011, 00:25
i did not mean to upset anyone i was just pointing out that it will not put me off coming to the island, and anyone watching this thread may be thinking" oh my god i ain't going to go to the canaries again":( and that is the last thing the islands tourism needs, i think that they have been evacuated as a precaution and the last thing the tourist trade need is being to frightened to visit:wink:

Do you think your post would restore the Canary Islands Tourist Trade single handedly on this thread ???

I just thought it belittled the whole serious situation and posted accordingly and i wont make any apology for what i posted.

Personally i just hope that the three hundred people evacuated return safely to their homes eventually and if there is 1.50€ beers in El Hierro they enjoy them while they are homeless due to Mother Natures circumstances that have been forced on them! :rolleyes:

miguel
28-09-2011, 02:17
Do you think your post would restore the Canary Islands Tourist Trade single handedly on this thread ???

I just thought it belittled the whole serious situation and posted accordingly and i wont make any apology for what i posted.

Personally i just hope that the three hundred people evacuated return safely to their homes eventually and if there is 1.50€ beers in El Hierro they enjoy them while they are homeless due to Mother Natures circumstances that have been forced on them! :rolleyes:Hi Andy, With you all the way on this one. I employed a chef a few years ago(a very good chef) he was from Walsall and the thing he most wanted to see was Teide erupt, he still lives here and is now married with a child and still thinks if he stands in the sea he will be ok. May get the chance to find out one day . Miguel.

admin
28-09-2011, 07:46
The Canary Islands government adjourned at 23.00 hours on Tuesday, preventive evacuation began in the early hours of the night, at the risk of falls associated with volcanic seismic event, and following the recommendations of scientists in the National Geographic Institute ( IGN) and the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) providing for an increase in the intensity and frequency of seismic events.

The people of Sabinosa y Pozo de La Salud have not been evacuated. Evacuated people from Frontera are moving in their own vehicles or public transport.

In total, 53 people have been evacuated in Valle de El Golfo as a precaution for possible landslides associated with increased seismic activity recorded on Tuesday. 38 of these people will be staying with family and 15 are derived from student residence, as has been told.

For its part, the Cooperative Society Passenger Transport El Hierro (Transhierro) has made available its buses to help evacuate.

Also, the Frontera businessman, Amos Lutzardo, has put his hotel (Ida Ines) available to authorities, a move that has been thanked by the President of the Cabildo de El Hierro, Alpidio Armas.

Hierro President also welcomes collaboration between the Government of Canarias, Cabildo and municipalities in this special case of La Frontera.

Also, according to the General Directorate of Security and Emergency school activity will be interrupted on Wednesday in the town of Frontera. Also the tunnel will remain closed until further notice at el Roquille.

The regional government decided on Tuesday night to evict the residents of the area to the scientific teams forecasts indicate that the earthquakes that are shaking the island more than 8,000 since July, the vast majority-are almost imperceptible increase in intensity and frequency from this midnight, though the light volcanic risk level is still yellow and we do not expect an imminent eruption.

source (http://diariodeavisos.es/)

1495

bonitatime
28-09-2011, 07:57
Having read not chucked through a mechanical translator last week that the expected possibility of an eruption was between 10 and 30% I had't paid much more attention.
the eruption in La Palma covers a very small section if the island and looking at the projection for El Hierro the projection is over an area that is almost uninhabited.
This doesnt mean if you have been evacuated it isn't s****y. The newspaper quoted above without a direct link only a link to the paper now quotes 53 evacuated. The 300 doesn't come with a source, can you please tell me where this was found?on

And I doubt they were EVICTED as quoted.

MummyJ
28-09-2011, 09:26
this is where i got the info (google automatically translated it for me)

http://www.emergenciaselhierro.org/

bonitatime
28-09-2011, 10:05
Thanks for that

admin
28-09-2011, 18:45
The newspaper quoted above without a direct link only a link to the paper now quotes 53 evacuated. The 300 doesn't come with a source, can you please tell me where this was found?on

And I doubt they were EVICTED as quoted.

It is quoted. The link is at the bottom of the article. Where it says 'source'

marbro8
28-09-2011, 19:43
Do you think your post would restore the Canary Islands Tourist Trade single handedly on this thread ???

I just thought it belittled the whole serious situation and posted accordingly and i wont make any apology for what i posted.

Personally i just hope that the three hundred people evacuated return safely to their homes eventually and if there is 1.50€ beers in El Hierro they enjoy them while they are homeless due to Mother Natures circumstances that have been forced on them! :rolleyes:tbh i could not care less if you apologise or not because my post was not meant to be nasty, i to hope that the people you are referring to are ok and no harm comes to them, you have taken my post to be insensitive towards a bad situation and so have others, but that's up to you:(:(

PhilCrean
29-09-2011, 09:04
Just another example of the misreporting that is surrounding this minor disturbance on El Hierro
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2042873/Earthquake-swarm-Canary-Island-El-Hierro-sparks-fears-volcanic-eruption.html#ixzz1ZKDwfHvl

Muppet
29-09-2011, 09:24
Just another example of the misreporting that is surrounding this minor disturbance on El Hierro
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2042873/Earthquake-swarm-Canary-Island-El-Hierro-sparks-fears-volcanic-eruption.html#ixzz1ZKDwfHvl

Whilst the Brit Tabloid Press does have a habit of over cooking things, I'm not so sure you could describe the recent activity over there as minor - months now of measurable earthquakes - recently some 3+ on the richter scale (1 at least of them as strong as 3.8) - concerning might be a better word to use, certainly concerning enough for the "experts" to have put the island on the first stage alert.

If I lived there instead of here I would be more than minorly concerned.

PhilCrean
29-09-2011, 09:35
In geological terms it is indeed minor.
My main point is how the Daily Mail in particular always without exception misreports, Not a bit of over cooking but lies reported as facts which unfortunately get believed and repeated.

BobMac
29-09-2011, 10:34
In geological terms it is indeed minor.
My main point is how the Daily Mail in particular always without exception misreports, Not a bit of over cooking but lies reported as facts which unfortunately get believed and repeated.

If you have a look at the link below, I wouldn't class it as minor given the number of tremors of over 1.5 on the Richter scale in the last 24 hours

http://www.02.ign.es/ign/layoutIn/volcaListadoTerremotos.do?zona=2&cantidad_dias=10

PhilCrean
29-09-2011, 10:42
If you have a look at the link below, I wouldn't class it as minor given the number of tremors of over 1.5 on the Richter scale in the last 24 hours

http://www.02.ign.es/ign/layoutIn/volcaListadoTerremotos.do?zona=2&cantidad_dias=10

All between 14 and 18 KM below sea level, most would not have even been noticed by people on the ground.

nicki
29-09-2011, 10:42
Update 28/09 – 23:24 UTC :We have counted 38 tremors today equaling Magnitude 2 or more, the latest one being a3.5
Update 28/09 – 23:22 UTC : New Press Report from the Government of the Canary Islands and the local authorities of El Hierro via PEVOLCA
The steering committee has noticed that the activity has weakened a little bit. Some landslides have been reported in the mountains (some villages were evacuated mainly for this landslide risk)
- schools are reopening on Thursday in Frontera
- The Roquillos Tunnel remains closed until further notice
Furthermore, the Canary Islands government has taken additional precautionary measures to be perfectly ready if the situation would deteriorate suddenly.
Additional equipment and personnel have been send to the island. Among them, vehicles equipped with satellite communication material, SUV's, 2 coaches and 2 other vehicles for transporting people, etc.
The Red Cross from his part has strengthen material and personnel on the island to be ready if called. @ earthquake-report.com we have the impression that the Canary Island government is doing all they can to avoid panic and to be ready if something unexpected would happen. We congratulate the authorities with the way they manage the situation.
The read the Full Report in Spanish, Click Here

Muppet
29-09-2011, 10:58
This morning a 3.8 quake was recorded - look up Richter Scale equivilents on Wiki - 3.87 seems to be the equivilent energy to the explosion at Chernobyl.

The epicentre's may be below ground, or out at sea a bit etc., but not that minor in my book ??

imablue
29-09-2011, 11:45
this apparently was felt throughout the island ...!!

PhilCrean
29-09-2011, 12:08
Latest update(Not from the Daily Mail!!)

29/09/2011 11:45 – The latest earthquake was at 10:12, measuring 3.8 on the Richter scale and has been felt by the whole island of El Hierro. The army is on alert across the whole island, but a total evacuation of the island has been ruled out.

29/09/2011 08:00 – There have been numerous earthquakes through the night, experts say that the situation seems to have calmed down slightly, but say that the next 48 hours will be determine what happens next.

29/09/2011 07:00 – From 01:00 until 05:56 today (Thursday 29/09/2011( there have been 19 earthquakes, all measuring over 1.5 on the Richter scale.

29/09/2011 05:56 – Just 13 minutes after the previous earthquake, there was a second one measruing 3.2 on the Richter scale at 12km depth.

29/09/2011 05:43 – there has been a earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale detected at 16km depth out at sea off El Hierro.

Fred Perry
29-09-2011, 13:01
Just wait for The Sun to get hold of this news story. "Tourists flee for their lives" etc. Even if the Island does witness an eruption it will not effect anyone on Tenerife and not many on El Hierro (people will be evacuated well before any lava flow)
Experts say that IF there is volcanic activity it will be similar to the last volcanic eruption in The Canaries (on La Palma Oct/Nov 1971) as in a slow lava flow rather than what we saw in Iceland last year. That will not happen.
Here is a video from La Palma 1971


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie_0GVfBcBc

Added after 8 minutes:

better on here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZDZ3R6td_0&feature=related

PhilCrean
29-09-2011, 13:46
Just wait for The Sun to get hold of this news story. "Tourists flee for their lives" etc. Even if the Island does witness an eruption it will not effect anyone on Tenerife and not many on El Hierro (people will be evacuated well before any lava flow)
Experts say that IF there is volcanic activity it will be similar to the last volcanic eruption in The Canaries (on La Palma Oct/Nov 1971) as in a slow lava flow rather than what we saw in Iceland last year. That will not happen.
Here is a video from La Palma 1971


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie_0GVfBcBc

Added after 8 minutes:

better on here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZDZ3R6td_0&feature=related

At least nobody treats the Sun as a serious newspaper. Do they?!?!

Muppet
29-09-2011, 14:38
At least nobody treats the Sun as a serious newspaper. Do they?!?!

No more than than the situation on El Hierro is minor, especially if you lived there

I'll stop now!

xx

BobMac
30-09-2011, 15:49
Just found this link on another forum

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/canary-islands-after-earthquake-triggers-volacano-fears/story-e6frf7jx-1226150896168