THE Geology Survey Division (GDS) of the Ministry of Mines and Energy is closely monitoring seismic activity at the Savo volcano in Central Province since last week.
In a public statement issued to the public, the Division said the Savo volcano is showing signs of waking up a bit with some abnormal patterns.
GSD is closely motoring the activity in Savo. However, the public and those in Savo should not panic but listen out for further information and what-to-do information and warning.
More information will be provided when necessary, the office added.
GSD is responsible for monitoring earthquakes and volcanoes in the country.
The public has also been urged not to spread rumours but to listen out for the right information.
The volcano last year has also shown some activity.
However, at that time, it does not pose any threat to trigger an alert or early warning signal of a potential eruption.
Geo-Hazard Officer Seismological Service Division, Carlos Tatapu said last year that in terms of volcanic monitoring, the government has recently been monitoring the volcanic activity on Savo.
He said that over the past years, the Solomon Islands have witnessed the eruption of Tinakula Volcano, which is one of the country’s most active volcanoes, located in Temotu province.
Since last year, the government is now working closely with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Volcanic Disaster Assistant Program (VDAP) to install equipment and train local officers to monitor volcanic activity on Savo Island.
Equipment is being installed at Visale, North West Guadalcanal, and Savo Island, Central Islands Province.
This has enabled the Seismological Service Section to monitor the continued activity of the Savo volcano when there is an earthquake or a volcanic eruption.
By MOFFAT MAMU
