Aid agencies prepare for possible volcano eruption

United Nations agencies in the Comoros on Monday said plans for the evacuation of civilians were underway following reports of a possible volcanic eruption on the main island of Grande Comore. "Some of the major UN agencies are currently working together to come up with an emergency response contingency plan. It still is not clear when the eruption will occur, or if it will occur at all, but we are preparing for a number of possible scenarios," acting UN Resident Coordinator Kalula Kalambay told IRIN. Since last week the country's National Scientific Research and Documentation Centre has reported an increase in seismic activity around the Kartala volcano, situated in the centre of the southern half of Grande Comore. The volcano last erupted in July 1991. Kalambay added that in the worst-case scenario, up to 70,000 residents may be affected. "But it is difficult to put an exact number on just how many people are likely to need assistance. We are concerned mainly for villagers living in the southern and central parts of the island. But these things are unpredictable - if Moroni is affected, all the islands will be affected, since all of them depend on services which they mainly get from the capital," he said. There were also possible health concerns, but Kalumbay said aid agencies were equipped to set up epidemic surveillance systems. "Should safe drinking water become scarce, we will be looking at signs of diarrhoea and cholera. Fortunately, there are coordinating mechanisms in place to deal with cholera, so we are prepared," he said. Another concern was the ongoing tension between the Union government and authorities on Grande Comore. Since the devolution process in 2001, the three islands of Moheli, Anjouan and Grande Comore assumed authority over most of their own affairs. However, there has been growing confusion over administrative functions and Kalambay said this stalemate could undermine preparations to counter the effects of a possible eruption. "We have impressed upon the relevant authorities the need for them to start talking to each other, so that we all can come up with a comprehensive emergency plan which would benefit all the people of the island," Kalambay stressed.