Panic Buying Surges as Major US Metropolis Braces for Imminent Volcanic Eruption
Alaskans Stockpile Supplies as Mount Spurr Threatens Eruption
[Image: Cloe Turner loading supplies at Costco with caption: Eagle River resident Cloe Turner spent $415 on emergency items, fearing stores may close during an eruption.]
Nearly 300,000 Alaskans near Anchorage are urgently preparing for a potential eruption of Mount Spurr, located just 81 miles away. Memories of the volcano’s 1992 eruption—which blanketed the region in ash for a month—have sparked a rush for essentials like N95 masks, goggles, non-perishable food, and water.
Residents Brace for Impact
Eagle River resident Cloe Turner spent $415 at Costco on groceries, batteries, and pet food. “We might not be able to work, and stores might not open,” she said, recalling the 1992 disaster. On social media, Alaskans share creative preparedness tips, from sealing windows with painter’s tape to using pantyhose as car air filter covers.
[Image: TikTok user @FreezeDrySociety in Walmart with caption: An Anchorage resident stocks up on “weird and random” items like swim goggles and silicone earplugs.]
A TikTok user under @FreezeDrySociety showcased her Walmart haul, including Ziploc bags for electronics, washcloths for car vents, and rubber boots. “Ash can tear up your eyes and lungs,” she warned, urging followers to prioritize safety gear. Another TikToker, @our.alaskan.adventure, advised pet owners to use cotton balls in dogs’ ears and rinse paws after outdoor trips.
Volcanic Unrest Intensifies
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) reported 55 earthquakes near Mount Spurr in a week, signaling magma movement and stress in the volcano’s crust. Since April 2024, seismic activity has surged, with hundreds of tremors detected, including a magnitude 3.7 quake on April 2. Gas emissions and ground deformation further hint at imminent eruption risks.
[Image: 1992 eruption of Mount Spurr with caption: Mount Spurr’s 1992 eruption caused widespread ashfall. Scientists warn history could repeat.]
Health and Safety Warnings
Volcanic ash poses severe health risks, irritating eyes and lungs and worsening respiratory conditions. The IVHHN advises staying indoors, using N95 masks, and avoiding contact lenses during ashfall. Drivers are urged to stay below 20 mph to reduce engine damage.
While the AVO monitors the volcano closely, officials stress that an eruption could occur within weeks or months. “Unrest continues,” the agency stated, urging residents to stay alert. For now, Alaskans remain in limbo—hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
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