News about the eruption of Mount Pavlof last May 13 circulated all media channels. However, authorities announced that the volcanic activities continue and there is no sign yet that it will end soon.
Mount Pavlof, one of the most active volcanoes in the U.S since 1980, is still releasing steam, ash and lava thousands of feet into the air.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory is closely monitoring the activities of the volcano to ensure proper warning levels are communicated real time. To date, the hazard level is still tagged as 'orange'. Orange indicates that there is a potential eruption with no specific timeframe or zero to minor ash fall. The color codes, alert level, and latest reports can be viewed at their website.
Latest satellite images of the volcano reveal that the volcano sporadically emits ash into the sky over 22,000 feet.
The government is now warning locals near the volcano, specifically Sand Point that has 1,000 people, to avoid prolonged exposure to ash as it may affect their health and their vehicles as well. Photos of ash in the windshields of some vehicles circulated the web last Sunday. Meanwhile, Cold Bay and King Cove may not experience any ash fall. However, the National Weather Service forecasts that the wind direction may change which will redirect the ash fall from the east to northeast targeting Nelson Lagoon that has 46 locals.
The seismologists will continue to monitor the volcano as there is still a chance that the ash may reach 30,000 feet wherein the hazard code will turn 'red'.
On a different story, the observatory appeals to the government to lift the budget cut on the agency as it may help improve their service. Alaska Volcano Observatory monitors 52 in the region and it is not an easy task since 40 percent of their equipment is of bad shape.
