Alaska residents are heeding the advice of experts amid concerns that the Mount Spurr volcano is showing signs of an imminent eruption. Even though the focus of volcanic activity is around 80 miles west of Anchorage, seismology experts warn that an explosive eruption might create ash clouds that reach Alaska’s largest population center. Protection devices, including vehicle air filters, window sealing tape, and KN95 masks, have been in high demand among city dwellers.
This is the reason why Alaska residents are buying Goggles for their dogs
According to scientists, the US state may experience an eruption in the upcoming weeks or months. Authorities in Anchorage have already activated emergency response procedures and started communication campaigns to increase the alert level. Locals are storing safety equipment, such as respirators, masks, goggles, and even dog-specific boots. The need for animal safety equipment has increased, according to local pet shops. The Anchorage administration has warned Alaska residents about the dangers of ash inhalation, particularly for tiny children and people with pre-existing respiratory ailments.
Along with urging pet owners to protect their animals, the authorities specifically mentioned the harm that ash cloud particles could cause to animals. Animal experts in the area now consider high-performance canine eyeglasses like Rex Specs, which resemble ski goggles, to be a necessity. This has led to a spike in demand for accessories like these. Concerns that the ash may contain small, sharp pieces of rock and natural glass have also led to a sharp increase in demand for canine breathing masks, according to the US Geological Survey.
Millions of Alaskans were impacted when the 3,300-meter volcano last erupted in 1992, covering the city with volcanic ash. Since April 2024, the region has seen increased seismic activity, indicating the emergence of a similar pattern. Moreover, there is a significant health risk associated with volcanic ash, according to scientists. It is especially harmful to people who have heart problems or asthma since it can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Alaska residents are being advised by the city to restrict their time spent outside, utilize protective gear when they are outside, and stock up on food and water for at least two weeks.
Alaska residents have been increasing over time
A recent official population estimate puts Alaska’s population at 741,147, over 4,300 more than the number published the previous year. Although for the twelfth consecutive year, more persons left the state than entered, the losses were offset by new arrivals. Additionally, officials at the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, which releases the yearly estimate, increased the state’s projected population for 2023.
With that update and an annual increase from 2023 to 2024, the state’s expected population is at its highest level since 2017. Alaska was among the expected number of foreign immigrants entering the United States, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau in December. Between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024, the Census Bureau estimated that over 4,000 foreigners entered Alaska, which was sufficient to offset the number of Alaskans leaving the state for other U.S. states.
Although the anticipated growth in the state’s population was less than that of the Census Bureau, it was nevertheless large enough to alter Alaska’s projected population for 2023. The change has practical implications. Based on the expected population, planners calculate the demand for various services, including transportation. Following the correction, the estimate now indicates that Anchorage’s population has been increasing for two years in a row. With 290,761 Alaska residents, the municipality is not far from its 2020 population. People have been leaving Alaska more often than entering it for over ten years. Because of the high rate of outmigration, Alaska’s population decreased between 2016 and 2020.
