Hydrothermal Activity and Degassing Caused Natural Steam Emission in Soufriere

The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) has revealed that the recent natural gaseous emission observed in Soufriere is nothing but a degassing and hydrothermal activity caused by landslides. Residents in the area reported seeing a smokelike gas emitting from the earth and called in the authorities to have a look.

ODM’s Disaster Coordinator, Fitzroy Pascal, said aerial photos and drone footage of the activity was taken and sent to the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the University of the West Indies in Trinidad. The centre ultimately reported that the activity is “likely the result of a landslide in the area followed by subsequent resettling of a near-surface hydrothermal activity with associated strong steam degassing.”

Pascal noted that the movement of hot water within the earth’s crust and the volcanic origins of the soil in the area must have occasioned the incidence of landslides which gave rise to the natural steam phenomenon.

“There have been no associated volcanic earthquakes recorded in the area by the SRC network on the island,” Pascal explained. “The SRC therefore believes that a change in volcanic activity has not contributed to this event.”

The disaster coordinator warned that the region may still be prone to landslides because of the continued steam degassing. He cautioned people to steer clear of the area so as to avoid potential loss of lives.

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