EMA: Mud volcano no threat

Officials at the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) say a mud volcano which formed in Munroe Road in Cunupia last week is dormant and poses no theat to surrounding communities.

The formation which resembles that of a mound with mud bubbling from it’s peak was reported to the Authority last Wednesday, which prompted a visit from researchers from the National Gas Company, seismologists from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and officials from the EMA to investigate the formation.

According to a release issued by the EMA, subterranean faults appeared to be heating water below the surface and based on the characteristics of the formation it was considered a hydrothermal mud volcano. Newsday understands that on Saturday another site visit was conducted by researchers who after conducting several tests determined that no toxic or flammable gases were detected near the volcano.

The EMA revealed that they would continue to monitor the formation and maintain communications with the relevant agencies if the volcano becomes active again. Residents in proximity to the site were advised to continue reporting any observed activity to the EMA’s Emergency number 680-9588.