Alaska Airlines cancels 45 flights following volcanic eruptions
by Stevie Smith - Mar 24 2009, 17:00
More eruptions lead to grounded flights throughout Alaska. Image: Alaskan Dude/Flickr.
Angrily awaking from its 20-year-slumber, Mount Redoubt in Alaska continued to spew potentially dangerous ash on Tuesday as the grumbling volcano actively advanced its eruption count from three to six in a little over 24 hours.
Located just over 100 miles south-west of Anchorage, prior warning rumbles noted by the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) in January gave way to a trio of sudden eruptions late on Sunday, which have resulted in clouds of ash being belched up to 15 kilometres into the sky.
Initial concerns regarding the volcano’s close proximity to Anchorage have not yet panned out, although towns situated close to the city have reported instances of ash fall.
While human contact with the volcanic ash is likely to cause skin irritation and breathing problems, geologist Janet Schaefer has told the BBC that exposure reports have not yet reached a worrying level.
However, although officials from the AVO have warned those with respiratory problems to stay indoors or wear a facemask if they must venture out, there is more of an active concern regarding the potential effects of ash on local air traffic.
Specifically, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Weather Service are working to track the ash clouds ahead of potentially diverting or cancelling flights going in and out of Anchorage.
Building on that note of caution, Alaska Airlines has cancelled more than 45 passenger flights affecting the cities of Barrow, Bethel, Fairbanks, Kotzebue, Nome and Prudhoe Bay. Flights operating south of Anchorage and across the south east of the country will remain open – but susceptible to change.
Alaska Airlines has said it hopes to resume full flight service in the region by March 24, conditions allowing.
Want regular updates from The Tech Herald? Follow us on Twitter.
The Tech Herald: Mount Redoubt finally ends its 20-year slumber
The Tech Herald: Scientists monitoring Alaskan volcano report no change
Comment on this Story