Impact of Icelandic Volcanic Ash Cloud and How Long Will the Dust Cloud Last
Can the Dust Cloud Damage Health?
Thousands of tourists are stranded all over the world as flights are being cancelled due to the volcanic ash alert. For the first time in living memory British airspace has been closed to all aircraft and now more than twenty countries have closed their airspace. Not only are holiday makers being affected by the ash cloud but many businesses are now suffering.
Air mail letters must be sent by truck to Spain before being flown out to their intended destinations. Other mail is being sent across Europe, being taken by land and sea. For the fresh fruit business, this is a total disaster as fruit sits rotting in warehouses waiting to be flown into England.
Some experts are predicting the disruption could last the entire summer, throwing travel plans into chaos. Others are suggesting that the situation will continue for at least another week or so when South Westerly winds might clear the ash from the UK.
The seven mile high plume of ash and steam from the Eyjafjaliajokull volcano was feared to cause jet engines to fail in mid air causing this precautionary ban. Initially the situation was looked on with surprise but now this is turning into anger as hundreds of thusands of people are stranded with no certainty of when they might get back home. Some are even questioning: is the size of the cloud being exaggerated and is this rather like the initial panic triggered by the Swine Flu pandemic?
Even so the Met Office assert they are not being too cautious. Ash continues to pour out and is heading towards the UK. Ash has been identified as being around 3,500 to 5,000 feet at the moment and this ash is what came out of the volcano three days ago. The role of the met office is to predict where the ash is and it is for others to make decisions accordingly.
Decisions on whether or not flights are to be resumed is down to the national air traffic services in individual countries but no one wants to take off where there is risk.
Over twenty countries around Europe have taken the same decisions as the UK and some airline companies in the UK are now running test flights to test the air quality.
As well as the millions of pounds being lost in business (Airlines are losing £130 million a day according to the International Air Transport Association), a growing concern now is the impact the ash cloud might have on health. The World Health Organisation has warned that the microscopic ash, if inhaled, could be potentially dangerous and people are being advised to wear a mask when outside or stay indoors.
Ash deposits have been detected in Scotland and South West England. This will be brought down with rain and the snow that is being predicted over the week ahead (which forecasters are suggesting will be discoloured "grey snow.") Although the concentration of particles to reach ground level is likely to be low, people have been advised that if they notice a dirty haze in the air or smell the rotten egg odour of sulphur outside, they should limit their outdoors activities. Those with conditions such as asthma and bronchitis should carry their inhalers with them.
How long will the disruption last? This could be weeks for as people are powerless, stranded in worldwide destinations, some are being told they must wait until they return home before claiming compensation and others are having problems finding accommodation. Even when flights are ready to take off, there is no guarantee they will quickly get a seat. No priority is given to those who have been waiting the longest. Instead, whomever is booked on the flight will get their seats and those others will have to grapple for the few remaining available seats. Presumably extra flights will be arranged to help resolve the situation.
How long will the cloud last? It all depends on the weather. Those experts looking onthe gloomy side are saying it could last for months, others are suggesting that it will last at least until the end of the week.
Sources
Published by Carole Anne Somerville
Astrology is my subject and a one I truly believe in. Alternative Therapies, Psychology, the tarot, dream interpretation and spiritual realms fascinate me too. Professionally and for personal enjoyment I lik... View profile
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3 Comments
Post a CommentIt's a scary situation isn't it. I just wrote an article on a similar theme about the disruption and what could happen if an even larger eruption happened. It could be the end fo life as we know it for a while.
Terrible situation.
excellent write up