San Cristobal Volcano (Nicaragua) quiet for the moment

The Nicaraguan Institute of Territorial Studies (Ineter) reports in its latest statement from last night that after 3 explosions on 8 Sep, San Cristobal volcano has been relatively quiet. SO2 measurements made yesterday indicate a flux of up 3.221 tons per day, which is well above normal levels and suggests that new explosions should be expected.

No significant seismic activity is recorded. INETER keeps a close watch of the volcano with 2 groups of geologists and volcanologists together with Civil Defence. Analysis of the eruption on 8 Sep gives the following data:

1. The ash fall covered an area of ​​about 2.438 square kilometers (see attached map), distributed in the northwest that includes the municipalities of Puerto Morazán, Potosi, El Viejo, and the towns of Punta Jiquilillo and Punta Ñata. The height reached by the ash was approximately 5,000 meters above the craters and the maximum ash fall deposit was 5 inches in areas very close to the crater, while it was only up to 3 millimeters in more distant places.
2. According to information from Mr. Francisco Ramos Galeano, a resident of the area, there were landslides in the northern part of the crater with falling rocks.
3. Similarly, it was reported that in the northwestern part of the volcano ash and incandescent rocks fell, which caused severe burns to 6 livestock.
4. Inhabitants of the area of ​​Versailles Top, very close to the crater of the volcano, reported having seen a crack or fissure in the earth. INETER specialists will be going to investigate this in the field.
5. For the afternoon and evening there are high chances of rain with thunderstorms in the Department of Chinandega. These rains can increase the emission of gas in the San Cristobal volcano, making acid rain. Surface winds are expected in about 10 km / h. Rains when these winds can reach speeds of up to 20km / h.

Managua, September 9, 2012, 24:30 local time.

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• Comunicado No.3. Actividad Sismo - Volcánica en el País. (Explosiones Volcán San Cristóbal y Episodios Sísmicos Apoyeque – Xiloá) (INETER)

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