by Sabrina Salas Matanane, KUAM NewsThursday, February 28, 2008 Subscribe to Sabrina's newsfeed
KUAM and the National Weather Service have been receiving reports of residents complaining of the foul smell in the air with hazy skies throughout Thursday evening. The NWS confirms that the conditions are being caused by low concentrations of sulfur gas as a result of a gas and steam plume being emitted by the Anatahan volcano, affecting most of the Micronesia region. Northerly wind gusts have carried the smell and haze to Guam and the Marianas.A Volcanic Haze and Sulfur Advisory has been issued for Saipan and Tinian by the CNMI Emergency Office Visibility; Rota and Guam are not impacted so severely as to call for an advisory at this time. The smell is projected to persist until sometime Friday afternoon.People with respiratory problems are strongly advised to stay indoors. If you experience trouble breathing due to the conditions, you should seek immediate medical attention.