Mega volcano is set to EXPLODE as dozens of earthquakes destabilize its center

Mega volcano is set to EXPLODE as dozens of earthquakes destabilize its center... with bustling city in its path

STACY LIBERATORE

Dozens of mini earthquakes have struck near a 11,000-foot-tall volcano in Alaska that experts fear is 'moving closer to an eruption.'

The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has detected 55 earthquakes in the past week, including several 'swarms' which are multiple quakes in quick succession.

Officials say the increased seismic activity is a sign magma is rising beneath Mount Spurr, causing stress and cracking in the surrounding rock, leading to earthquakes.

Emergency plans have hastily been put in place for the more than 300,000 residents of Anchorage, warning them to stock up on food, baby supplies and pet necessities as the eruption could disrupt supply chains and lead to delays in deliveries.

The city's residents have gone on a buying frenzy of N95 masks, water jugs and protective gear as they brace for an eruption.

When it blows, the event 'would be explosive,' Matt Haney, scientist-in-charge at the AVO told DailyMail.com, adding that it would spew multiple plumes of ash rising as high as 50,000 feet into the air.

Each ash-producing explosive episode would last three to four hours, resulting in Anchorage and other nearby communities being engulfed in a giant cloud. 

While Anchorage is not within the impact zone, massive clouds of ash are likely to blanket the city and residents. 

Volcanic ash can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and cause more serious health issues for people with asthma, other forms of lung disease and severe heart problems 

While the AVO said no sulfur dioxide emissions were detected in satellite data over the past week, 'cloudy conditions prevented views of the volcano most of the week.'

'AVO continues to closely monitor activity at Mount Spurr for signals indicating the volcano is moving closer to an eruption,' it added. 

The volcano's summit crater has not erupted for around 5,000 years, but its side vent, called Crater Peak, last erupted just 30 years ago. 

The 1992 eruption saw the entire city of Anchorage covered in an eighth of an inch of ash. 

Emergency plans have hastily been put in place for the more than 300,000 residents of Anchorage, warning them to stock up on food, baby supplies and pet necessities as the eruption could disrupt supply chains and lead to delays in deliveries

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