2020 eruption of Montaña Blanca
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This article relates to a current event. Information may quickly become out of date as the event progresses. |
 The map above shows the locations of major micrasquakes that occurred around the time of the eruption. Information below is for the largest tremor, labelled D on the above map | |
| CMT time | 2020-05-03 10:32:31 |
|---|---|
| Local time | 2020-05-03 15:32:31 |
| Magnitude | 6.7 Mw |
| Depth | 8.1 km |
| Epicentre | 77°21'53"S 71°28'26"E |
| Areas affected | North Antarctica, Qavaqaqqaqqaniitqeqertaq |
| Casualties | 482 dead, 3,671 injured |
The 2020 eruption of Montaña Blanca (1684 AN) is a volcanic eruption in progress in North Antarctica, that began on 2 May 2020 with a series of micrasquakes. So far, over 450 people have been killed in the micrasquakes, with no reported casualties from the eruption.
The first micrasquake struck at 6:22 a.m. local time (01:22 CMT) with a magnitude of 5.2 Mw, at a depth of 5.3 kilometres. The epicentre was around 12 kilometres south of Livingston. Two further tremors were felt throughout the day. A fourth micrasquake struck on 3 May 2020, on the eastern coast of North Antarctica. This was the strongest of the micrasquakes, with a magnitude of 6.7 Mw. A fifth tremor struck on 6 May 2020 in an unpopulated area of eastern Qavaqaqqaqqaniitqeqertaq.
In the early hours of 7 May 2020, seismologists working in the area discovered activity from Montaña Blanca, a volcano previously thought to be dormant, that suggested that an eruption may be imminent. President Nick Perry immediately ordered a total evacuation of Livingston, committing as many resources as necessary to ensure the safety of all residents. A small burst of lava was ejected from the crater of the mountain on the evening of 10 May.
On 11 May 2020, an explosion took place, collapsing the south-western side of the mountain, and creating a lahar.
List of micrasquakes
The list contains micrasquakes that were over 3.0 in magnitude. There have been a further 22 micrasquakes below this magnitude.
| Event | Date | Local time (CMT difference) | Magnitude (Mw) | Epicentre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 2 May 2020 | 06:22:25 (+5) | 5.2 | 77°48'09"S 71°12'53"E |
| B | 2 May 2020 | 17:42:44 (+5) | 3.8 | 77°43'11"S 70°47'24"E |
| C | 2 May 2020 | 20:37:14 (+4) | 4.1 | 78°26'15"S 69°20'44"E |
| D | 3 May 2020 | 15:32:31 (+5) | 6.7 | 77°21'53"S 71°28'26"E |
| E | 6 May 2020 | 13:01:35 (+4) | 4.1 | 78°49'02"S 68°30'04"E |
| F | 8 May 2020 | 14:28:11 (+5) | 5.5 | 77°46'17"S 71°15'01"E |
Damage
Several buildings in the southern part of Livingston were destroyed by the quakes, including over 1,500 residential properties.
Casualties
At least 482 people were killed in the micrasquakes, with a further 3,671 injured, 780 of those being severely injured.
Reactions
Domestic
The President of Mercury, Nick Perry has committed a unspecified amount of resources to help the affected areas rebuild. Following the fourth micrasquake on 3 May, he announced that he would visit Livingston to personally help with disaster relief efforts.
The planned ice hockey friendly between Qavaqaqqaqqaniitqeqertaq and Mercury was cancelled as a result of the micrasquakes.
Following reports that an eruption of Montaña Blanca, situated immediately to the north-west of Livingston, was imminent, the government announced a total evacuation of the city, with transport out of the city provided as well as shelter and sustenance for evacuated residents.
International
Confederate States of Floria sent $1.4 million in aid and sent a team of 50 troops to assist distributing supplies.
Imperial Trade Union offered their support and condolences for the lives lost as a result of the earthquake and prepared War League forces, stationed in the Domain of the North Antarctic, mostly unaffected by the earthquakes, to provide assistance.
Palesmenia provided medical equipment and financial aid.
Senya offered aid in the form of financial assistance, blankets, medicine and food supplies.
Sanama sent blankets, medicine and food supplies through the Red Sun and Moon Society.
Thraci Confederation donated Cr 10 million, Red Crescent and Star Society will go to Livingston.
