Hundreds of thousands of Americans, especially those living near Anchorage, Alaska, are on high alert as scientists warn that Mount Spurr, a massive volcano just 81 miles away, may be on the verge of erupting.
Standing at 11,070 feet, Mount Spurr is even taller than the famous Yellowstone supervolcano—and lately, it’s been rumbling. Experts at the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) say they’ve recorded more than 3,400 earthquakes in and around the volcano since last April, with over 100 quakes happening every week between February and March alone.
This growing seismic activity has officials concerned. While there’s no exact date for when—or if—Mount Spurr will erupt, the signs are enough to prompt urgent preparations in nearby communities.
What Could an Eruption Look Like?
Matt Haney, the lead scientist at AVO, explained that an eruption similar to those in 1953 and 1992 wouldn’t necessarily be loud in Anchorage, but would be dangerous for anyone near the volcano. During explosive eruptions, Mount Spurr can shoot volcanic ash 50,000 feet into the sky, creating dramatic ash clouds and even volcanic lightning.
In 1992, one of the eruptions sent ash clouds drifting over Anchorage, coating the city in ash and disrupting daily life. If Mount Spurr erupts again, a similar ashfall event could happen—posing serious health risks and impacting air travel, power systems, and visibility.
How People Are Preparing
Alaskans aren’t taking chances. Many are already stocking up on essentials like:
- Face masks and gas masks
- Protective goggles
- Latex gloves
- Bottled water and emergency supplies
According to the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN), volcanic ash isn’t just messy—it’s harmful. Breathing it in can cause lung problems, especially for people with asthma or other respiratory issues. It can also irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
Why This Matters
There are 169 active volcanoes across the U.S., but Alaska is home to the majority of them—about 140, with 90 closely monitored by the AVO. Mount Spurr hasn’t erupted in over 30 years, but the recent spike in earthquakes is enough to get people’s attention.
While officials aren’t calling for evacuations yet, they are urging residents to stay informed and prepare—just in case.
Sophia Reynolds is a dedicated journalist and a key contributor to Storyoftheday24.com. With a passion for uncovering compelling stories, Sophia Reynolds delivers insightful, well-researched news across various categories. Known for breaking down complex topics into engaging and accessible content, Sophia Reynolds has built a reputation for accuracy and reliability. With years of experience in the media industry, Sophia Reynolds remains committed to providing readers with timely and trustworthy news, making them a respected voice in modern journalism.
