The Ministry of National Security Tuesday warned nationals and visitors alike to stay away from the mud volcano in Piparo, a village in Central Trinidad on the southern edge of the Central Range.
In a statement, the Ministry said that it had decided to take the action following reports of increased geological activity at the volcano and that National Security agencies have been monitoring the situation and are currently working with key stakeholders to observe ongoing activity at the site.
It said that the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) has been in consultation with the Disaster Management Units of the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government and with Xavier Moonan, a senior geoscientist at Touchstone Exploration, who has conducted numerous tests at the site as well as drone surveys to produce a 3D mapping of the area.
Earlier this week, residents reported cracks forming on the Piparo main road which also caused damage to at least one house and that the scent of sulphur was also noted.
The Ministry of National Security said that to maintain public safety and security, law enforcement officials have cordoned off the area to prevent members of the public from entering the space.
“The area is now closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has also increased patrols in the area.
“The Ministry of National Security is advising all citizens, visitors and Piparo residents to keep away from the immediate area surrounding the mud volcano and to refrain from compromising their personal safety as it is currently deemed an active zone,” the Ministry said, adding that a coordination meeting is scheduled between all key stakeholders for Thursday to further coordinate mitigation and response activities.
The mud volcano last erupted on February 22, 1997. The eruption covered an area of 2.5 km² and displaced 31 families.
