Strong winds stir up decades-old volcanic ash at Mount St. Helens

In Washington state, strong winds recently disrupted the area around Mount St. Helens, causing the resuspension of volcanic ash deposited during the 1980 eruption. Conditions have been unusually dry in the vicinity, contributing to the ease with which the ash was kicked up into the atmosphere. The U.S. Geological Survey, alongside the National Weather Service, clarified that this occurrence was not a sign of renewed volcanic activity but simply a natural result of environmental factors. The region has been enduring severe drought, which, combined with strong easterly winds, led to a noticeable plume of ash rising thousands of feet into the air. In the wake of this phenomenon, visibility in certain areas diminished, and local air quality suffered as the airborne particulates spread. Commercial pilots reported significant ash presence, raising concerns about potential risks to aviation safety, particularly with aircraft engines ingesting volcanic ash. The concern was heightened as visual images captured showed plumes drifting across the landscape, prompting brief panic among residents and observers watching the skies for signs of actual volcanic activity. However, both agencies stressed that the volcanic alert level remains at