9 Feb 2004

Volcanic activity in Northern Mariana Islands increases

4:05 pm on 9 February 2004

Warnings are in place to watch out for further eruptions from the Anatahan Volcano in the Northern Mariana Islands after more than five months of relative inactivity.

The activity has gradually increased since the beginning of this month.

Scientists monitoring the situation say the activity is likely to result in magma moving beneath the crater.

The Emergency Management Office has placed Anatahan Island off limits until further notice and has advised aircraft to exercise caution.