Geologists scurry to verify Arunachal eruption

Guwahati, Aug 24 (UNI) Experts from the Itanagar unit of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) today surveyed the Papumpare district to ascertain whether the eruptions from a hill were a volcano.

The geologists collected samples of the substances that resembled 'lava flow', which will be sent to the WIHG headquarters at Dehra Dun for further tests.

''The place is located about seven km from Kimin towards Zero.

Prima facie it appears to be lava flow, but we can confirm only after the necessary tests,'' Dr A K Singh of the WIHG, Itanagar unit, told UNI over telephone.

The sudden eruption of gases and hot substances, accompanied by frequent explosions, occurred in the hill from August 21 night, triggering panic in the surrounding areas.

Hot gases have been emanating from several cone-like openings of the hill till today, and according to Dr Singh, the temperature in the hill was around 50 degree celsius.

''The substances appear to be molten oligosyn rocks. But nothing can be said as of now. Only after the petrology and geochemistry tests can we confirm the substances and the significance,'' Dr Singh said, not ruling out the possibility of a volcano.

It is for the first time that such an incident has occurred in the region, as volcanic activity in the country is confined to the Barren Islands.

A senior scientist in the Regional Research Laboratory in Jorhat here, however, ruled out the possibility of volcano in Arunachal Pradesh.

''There are symptoms prior to a volcanic eruption, so to say, earthquakes and release of radioactive materials like radon and helium. But there were no such occurrences in this case. But we'll have to wait for the tests before concluding anything,'' the scientist said, requesting anonymity.

Had it been anywhere in Karbi Anglong of Assam or Meghalaya, there were strong chances of a volcano as there are hot springs in the places, he added.

The expert also said that it could be a discharge of gases like sulphur, a possible phenomenon.

According to reports, the fluid substances after coming out solidified to form either ash-type or glass-like materials. An iron electric post near the place has been burnt due to the heat emanating from the hill.

Meanwhile, the Arunachal administration is making all possible efforts to meet any eventuality arising out of the natural phenomenon even as panic reined among the people in the vicinity.

UNI