BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WHILE it poses no immediate threat to St. Kitts and Nevis, residents are asked to monitor the situation relative to underground volcano Kick ‘em Jenny, which has seen significantly-increased activity over the past number of days.
According to the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC), signs of “elevated seismicity” at Kick ‘em Jenny were observed on July 11 and since then, more than 200 “micro and small earthquakes, of varying magnitudes, have been recorded”.
The submarine volcano is located approximately five miles to the north of Grenada
The increased activity intensified over the past three days with an eruption occurring yesterday afternoon (Jul. 23) the UWI-SRC informed.
It also advised of “degassing occurring off the west coast of Grenada in the Moliniere Sculpture Park area” as indicated by divers.
To date Grenada and the Lesser Antilles have received no tsunami warning however an Orange level alert - one lower than the highest - is in effect for Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Head of St. Kitts and Nevis’ National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Carl Herbert told SKNVibes that he has been in contact with the UWI-SRC which indicated that St. Kitts and Nevis is under no immediate threat from Kick ‘em Jenny.
“I have had conversations with the Seismic Research Centre St. Augustine Trinidad and Tobago that monitors earthquake and volcanic activity in our region, and we were advised that there is no immediate threat to us in St. Kitts and Nevis.
“The concern in more in the immediate surroundings, that is, for persons operating boats. It is further advised that it is an underwater volcano where eruptions are taking place and the expectation is that those eruptions will remain under water.”
He advised however that individuals in St. Kitts and Nevis should monitor the local media for updates on Kick ‘em Jenny.
“On St. Kitts and Nevis we need to just monitor what is happening because we live in a very seismic-active region of the world and as you are aware, from time to time, we do feel earthquakes.
“NEMA continues its public education campaign where our public service announcements speak to earthquake and tsunami readiness. There is no need for panic. People need to continue their daily activities as normal but to listen to the local media in the event that we have any updated information that we need to bring to the public’s attention.”
