SRPCBA Communiqué - Update on seismovolcanic crisis on São Jorge Island - Communication

Serviço Regional de Proteção Civil e Bombeiros dos Açores

Despite the significant decrease in the frequency of earthquakes confirmed by CIVISA - Centre for Information and Seismovolcanic Surveillance of the Azores, the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service urges the population to maintain all surveillance and self-protection measures.

Following a meeting held yesterday, the CIVISA Crisis Office decided to maintain the V4 alert for the island of São Jorge.

Throughout yesterday, April 10, CIVISA registered 27 seismic events (one felt by the population) and a decrease in seismic activity compared to the previous day.

Between 12 a.m. and 10 a.m. today, approximately 18 events were already recorded, with most of the earthquakes recorded so far being of low magnitude and showing a tectonic origin.

Although hidden by the weather situation, there is a clear reduction of events, according to Fátima Viveiros, the CIVISA coordinator in the São Jorge operation. It is expected that the weather conditions will improve for a better reading of all signals and the installation of more equipment.

The Azores Operational Command, through the navy, is continuing the reconnaissance mission that is being carried out in the identified serviceable ports, which may become evacuation points.

The armed forces have a force of 61 soldiers on the island of São Jorge.

Since March 19, and so far, 28,179 earthquakes have been registered, with 240 felt by the population.

Today's Briefing, held by Civil Protection and CIVISA, was attended by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Change, Alonso Miguel.

All information regarding the seismovolcanic crisis can be consulted at  http://www.ivar.azores.gov.pt/sjorge/Paginas/default.aspx.