Grenada: Increased underwater volcanic activity

Event

An “orange” alert - the second-highest on a four-tier scale - was issued on Monday, March 12, due to increased activity at the underwater Kick ‘em Jenny volcano, located approximately 8 km (5 mi) north of Grenada's main island. This orange alert signifies that an imminent eruption is possible. A 5-km (3.1-mi) exclusion zone has been established around the volcano, with ships ordered to circumvent the area. However, according to experts there is no immediate danger for people on land and no indication that the current seismic activity could generate a tsunami.

Context

Kick ‘em Jenny’s largest eruption, in 1939, resulted in waves 2 m (6.5 ft) high that struck nearby islands. Since then, the volcano has erupted at least a dozen times but none of the eruptions have proven deadly.

Advice

Individuals present in Grenada are advised to keep abreast of the situation via local media outlets and adhere to any orders issued by local officials in the event of an eruption.