A suspected geyser that burst from the pig pens and backyard of a small Mexican farm this week has prompted evacuations, a school closure and a multi-agency scientific response, according to state and federal officials.
The hydrothermal eruption began overnight Monday in the rural community of El Salitre, about 135 kilometers west of Morelia, the capital of the west-central state of Michoacán.
Water, mud and gases began spewing from “the middle of pig pens on a small family farm,” according to authorities.
As of late Wednesday morning, the geyser-like phenomenon was still active, though in a reduced, bubbling-mud state with constant gas emissions rather than a jet, according to Mi Morelia.
Earlier, authorities had reported an initial spout of about 15 meters, which subsided to eight meters.
An unknown number of pigs “died as the result of the eruption,” according to N+, the news division of TelevisaUnivision.
The National Coordination of Civil Protection (CNPC) reported Wednesday that 13 people had been evacuated, and that a security perimeter will remain in place as the phenomenon continues.
Authorities also confirmed the suspension of classes at a nearby preschool.
Additionally, the family living at the site was evacuated, nearby gas tanks were removed, and the farm’s pigs were moved from their roofed areas and corrales de cerdos (pig pens) as a precaution.
The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) showed up to carry out thermal measurements and assess risk.
Also on scene are geologists from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and specialists from the National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred) to conduct field studies to determine if it’s a true geyser or surface hydrothermal activity.
“The observed phenomenon presents characteristics similar to those of a geyser, due to the eruptive expulsion of water and steam,” said Amuravi Ramírez, Michoacán’s Civil Protection coordinator. “However, to scientifically confirm whether it is formally one, it will be necessary to carry out specialized studies and continuous monitoring.”
Authorities urged the public to avoid the area while monitoring continues.
With reports from Mi Morelia, El Financiero and La Jornada
