The Piparo Mud Volcano is presently showing activity and citizens have been warned against venturing near the site due to increased pressure building at the volcano’s vents and fissures.
Councillor for Piparo/San Pedro/Tabaquite Henry Awong is currently onsite, along with the Disaster Management Unit of the Couva Tabaquite Talparo Regional Corporation.
The DMU reports that the volcano has been releasing gases once every 90 seconds.
Rumblings were also reported to have been coming from the volcano since last week.
In a Guardian Media report, Geoscientist and Exploration Manager Xavier Moonan, who has conducted extensive research on the Piparo mud volcano, stated that there is excessive gas being emitted from the volcano in forceful blasts, indicating the necessity for authorities to cordon off the volcano.
“We are witnessing a release of pressure that has built up since activity in 2019. Some of the fractures seen now were not present last night. Some are expanding next to the volcano and the area is locally subsiding,” he explained, noting, “This suggests pressure is being released, and released quickly.”
Moonan added, “The area needs to be cordoned off until the activity subsides. This is natural gas, with some H2S (Hydrogen sulphide) within it. Natural gas is flammable, so we don’t want people around here triggering any explosions.”
Meanwhile, the head of the Office of Disaster Preparedness Rodney Smart endorsed Moonan’s recommendation for the population to stay away.
“We are collaborating with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, and their personnel are on-site conducting assessments,” Smart said.
He assured that residents are prepared for any potential evacuation.
“We conducted an evacuation exercise in the community, ensuring they are equipped and trained. We developed an evacuation plan and executed it,” Smart affirmed, urging the public not to panic and assuring them of ongoing communication with the media to keep the community informed.