The Seismic
Research Unit of the University of the West Indies (UWI) in
Trinidad and Tobago says it has received several enquiries regarding
a supposedly impending earthquake and subsequent tsunami to
affect Trinidad.
In addition,
concerns have also been raised as to the current status of the
Kick 'em Jenny submarine volcano in Grenadian waters and the
potential for tsunamis from the volcano. The unit issued the
following release on the status of the subject matters raised:
*
The Kick 'em Jenny volcano is an underwater volcano 9km north
of Grenada. The records of the Seismic Research Unit do not indicate
any elevated activity at this volcano.
The alert level for the volcano is at YELLOW, which is usual for
this volcano. There are no signs of an impending eruption - or
consequent tsunami from an eruption - in the near future. Trinidad
lies in an area of high seismic activity for the Caribbean and
as such citizens should know what to do before, during and after
an earthquake (www.uwiseismic.com).
Scientists are currently unable to predict earthquakes and so
we cannot say whether or not an earthquake with the potential
to cause a tsunami will affect Trinidad in the near future. The
last earthquake of note to affect Trinidad was of magnitude 4.1,
which occurred on December 1st, 2005.
Following the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26th,
2004, the Seismic Research Unit, along with other relevant regional
agencies, has been involved in a regional effort to establish
a tsunami warning system.
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) through its
IOCARIBE-Sub-Commission is coordinating this effort.
