The residents of Alaska are preparing for a potential eruption of Mount Spurr, which lies just 81 miles from Anchorage.
Nearly 300,000 people in the region are on high alert as the volcano continues to show troubling signs of increased activity.
In response, locals are rushing to stock up on everything from groceries and batteries to protective gear, including N95 masks and goggles.
For many, the fear of an eruption is all too real, with the memory of Mount Spurr’s 1992 eruption still fresh in their minds.
One resident, Cloe Turner from Eagle River, spent $415 at Costco purchasing essential supplies like food, water, and pet food.
She shared her concern, saying, “We might not be able to work, and stores might not open.
The last time something like this happened, the city was blanketed in ash for an entire month.”
Increased Seismic Activity: Volcano’s Restlessness Alarms Experts
According to the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), the volcano’s activity has significantly increased in the past week, with 55 small earthquakes recorded.
These tremors suggest that magma is rising beneath the surface, creating stress and cracks in the surrounding rock.
Experts are monitoring the situation closely, as these signs point to a potential eruption in the near future.
Mount Spurr has been experiencing seismic activity since April 2024, with quakes becoming more frequent as the months have passed.
This activity has been paired with other warning signs, including ground displacement and gas emissions.
Experts from AVO stated that they are continuously watching for any signals that the volcano could erupt soon.
Unique Preparations: Social Media Posts Showcase Locals’ Creative Approaches
With uncertainty growing, Alaskans are turning to social media to share their preparation strategies.
A popular TikTok user, known as @FreezeDrySociety, recently posted a video of herself shopping for “weird and random” items at Walmart to protect her family from the volcanic ash.
Items like blue painter’s tape, swimming goggles, and silicone earplugs were among her quirky purchases.
She explained that the painter’s tape would be used to seal off drafty areas in her home, while the goggles were essential for protecting eyes from the ash.
In addition, she grabbed Ziploc bags to protect small tech devices, and she even bought pantyhose, which she planned to use to filter out ash from her car’s engine air intake valve.
Another local shared advice about the dangers of ash exposure, warning contact lens users to remove their lenses immediately once the eruption occurs, as the ash can be highly irritating to the eyes.
She also offered tips for dog owners, advising them to protect their pets with goggles, cotton balls in their ears, and by rinsing their paws after being outside.
Ongoing Tremors and Gas Emissions: Mount Spurr Shows No Signs of Slowing Down
Scientists have been tracking Mount Spurr’s increasing seismic activity, noting that the frequency of tremors has surged from an average of 30 per week to 125 per week since October 2024.
This uptick in seismicity has raised concerns among experts, especially after a larger magnitude 3.7 earthquake struck near Petersville, about 30 miles from the volcano, on April 2.
In addition to these quakes, Mount Spurr has been releasing high levels of gas, which started on March 7.
This combination of seismic activity, gas emissions, and ground deformation has led scientists to believe that the volcano may be on the brink of eruption.
Some even predict that the eruption could happen in the coming weeks or months.
As residents continue to prepare, the situation remains fluid, with experts monitoring the volcano’s every move.
The looming threat of an eruption has left many in Alaska on edge, and the situation could escalate rapidly depending on how Mount Spurr continues to behave.
Staying Safe Amid Uncertainty: Local Advice for Eruption Preparations
For those in the potential danger zone, experts and locals alike are offering practical advice on how to stay safe.
One common tip is for drivers to reduce their speed to under 20 miles per hour during and after the eruption, as driving too fast through ash can cause serious damage to vehicles.
While the situation is still evolving, the constant monitoring and resourcefulness of the Alaskan community are helping residents feel prepared for whatever may come next.
Whether it’s securing their homes with makeshift solutions or sharing survival tips online, the people of Alaska are doing what they can to stay one step ahead of the volcano.
