As concerns grow over the imminent eruption of Mount Spurr, nearly 300,000 residents of Alaska are preparing for the worst.
Located just 81 miles from Anchorage, the volcano has been showing increased signs of activity, and locals are now scrambling to stock up on supplies in case of an emergency.
Community Preparing for a Potential Disaster
With memories of the 1992 eruption still fresh in their minds, Alaskans are taking no chances.
From groceries to protective gear, people are making sure they have everything they might need.
Cloe Turner, a resident of Eagle River, spent $415 at Costco buying essentials like food, water, batteries, and even pet supplies. She commented, “We might not be able to work, and stores might not open.
The last time something like this happened, the city was covered in ash for a whole month.”
Increased Seismic Activity Sparks Concerns
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) confirmed that seismic activity around Mount Spurr has been increasing, with 55 earthquakes reported in the last week alone.
These tremors are a clear sign that magma is rising beneath the surface, causing stress and cracking in the surrounding rock, raising fears of an impending eruption.
Social Media Buzzes with Creative Preparations
As the tension mounts, many residents have taken to social media to share their preparation strategies.
One Anchorage resident, posting under the name @FreezeDrySociety on TikTok, revealed how she rushed to Walmart to buy “weird and random” items to protect her family from the fallout of volcanic ash.
She shared her unorthodox shopping list, which included blue Painter’s Tape to seal drafts, swimmer’s goggles to protect their eyes from ash, and N95 masks for respiratory protection.
Protecting the Eyes and Lungs from Volcanic Ash
Volcanic ash can cause serious health problems, particularly for those with respiratory issues, asthma, or heart conditions.
In response, many locals are thinking outside the box to protect themselves.
Items like silicone earplugs, Ziploc bags for electronics, and even pantyhose for filtering out ash from car engines are being stockpiled.
One local influencer shared tips on how to use washcloths and binder clips to cover car air vents, minimizing ash damage to the interior.
Warnings for Pet Owners and Drivers
Other Alaskans have shared their own advice, especially for those with pets.
One TikTok user suggested putting swimming goggles on dogs to protect their eyes from the ash, cotton balls in their ears, and rinsing their paws before bringing them back inside.
Another crucial tip for drivers: “If you need to drive during or after the eruption, keep your speed under 20 miles per hour.
It will minimize the damage to your car from the ash.”
Signs of Imminent Eruption Continue to Grow
Mount Spurr has been showing signs of imminent eruption for over a year now.
Increased seismic activity, ground displacement, and elevated gas emissions are all clear indicators that the volcano is getting ready to erupt.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory has been closely monitoring the situation, with experts noting that the volcano is releasing higher levels of gas and showing other signs of unrest.
Experts Keep a Close Eye on Mount Spurr’s Activity
Since the beginning of the year, scientists have detected hundreds of tremors within a 30-mile radius of Mount Spurr.
On April 2, a 3.7-magnitude earthquake struck 30 miles northwest of the volcano, further raising concerns.
While such a quake could be linked to tectonic plate movement, experts believe it could also be connected to rising magma.
With all these factors in play, scientists are now anticipating that the volcano could erupt within the next few weeks or months.
The situation is far from over, and Mount Spurr’s ongoing unrest continues to keep both locals and scientists on edge.
With a potential eruption on the horizon, Alaskans are doing whatever they can to stay safe, and it looks like the countdown to the volcano’s next move has already begun.
