THE SITUATION:

According to the Seismic Research Centre (SRC), on Thursday, July 23 from 1:25 a.m. to 3 a.m. local time, a strong continuous signal was observed on instruments monitoring the Kick ‘em Jenny submarine volcano.

Signs of elevated seismic activity (earthquakes) began on July 11 and continue to present. For the period since July 11, a total of more than 200 micro and small earthquakes of varying magnitudes have been recorded, with the largest prior to the strong signal, less than magnitude 3.0. There have also been observations from divers of degassing occurring off the west coast of Grenada in the Moliniere Sculpture Park area.

PROGNOSIS:

An orange alert level remains in effect for the Kick ‘em Jenny volcano. An orange alert means that there is a highly elevated level of seismic or fumarolic activity, or other unusual activity and that an eruption may begin with less than twenty-four hours notice.

According to the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC), from about midnight to 4 p.m. on July 23, more than 400 events were recorded, the largest of which measured 3.3 magnitude on the Richter scale.

The SRC notes that this level of activity exceeds what can be processed in a day and therefore there will be a lag in providing more detailed analysis.

Mr. Lloyd Lynch of the SRC has also indicated that based on an analysis of the configuration of this volcano, the probability of a large tsunami event is low. Notwithstanding, members of the public are asked to remain vigilant and on high alert and to continue to monitor the situation.

There is no tsunami warning for Saint Lucia at this time.  

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