Previous Story
… as Pete A. asks federal funds for volcano monitoring
|
Posted on Jan 09 2005
Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio said he wrote the U.S. Congress to lobby for funding to ensure a reliable volcanic activity monitoring system amid reports that Anatahan volcano began to erupt again last week.
Tenorio, in a letter to U.S. congressman Don Young dated Jan. 6, 2005, said the CNMI urgently needs funding for a comprehensive volcano monitoring system, not only for Anatahan but also for all active volcanoes in the Northern Marianas.
Young chairs the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
“I have just been notified that the Anatahan Island volcano…is again erupting, and though there is not yet any indication of significant explosions…it still remains a threat to the many aircraft that cross the Pacific daily,” Tenorio said.
He said of the nine active volcanoes in the CNMI, Anatahan is the only monitored (volcano).
As such, eruptions on any of the others could happen without warning.
He said such activity might be a potential cause for earthquakes and tsunamis.
“The recent tragedy in South Asia caused by an Indonesian island earthquake and tsunami reminds us that any coastal area is susceptible to such natural occurrences, and only through monitoring in our immediate area can early warning be reliable and instantaneous,” said Tenorio.
At the same time, the NMI official asked the U.S. lawmaker’s continued support for funding for the Talafofo Bridge and other special highway projects in the CNMI.
Likewise, Tenorio sought Young’s support in the passage of the CNMI delegate bill in Congress.
The delegate bill passed a House panel late last year but it failed to make it to the Congress floor for lack of time.
Meanwhile, reports said that ash plume from Anatahan had reached 15,000 ft. high Wednesday extending about 200 miles towards the Philippines.
This week’s activity is the third eruption for Anatahan since its sudden eruption in May 2003.
Under the governor’s declaration, Anatahan remains an off-limit.
Since May 2003, only scientific expeditions are allowed on Anatahan—located about 120 km. north of Saipan. (Liberty Dones)
