Significant changes observed in Dominica’s Boiling Lake water levels

The Boiling Lake in Dominica has experienced a dramatic shift in water levels over the past few days, prompting concern and increased monitoring from local and regional authorities.

The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC) reports that this phenomenon is not unprecedented. “This is a phenomenon that has occurred several times in the past but was first recorded in 1876,” the centre stated.

While fluctuations in the lake’s water levels were observed as recently as March and April of this year, the current situation appears more severe.

 In an update on July 8, the UWI-SRC reported, “The current state of the lake shows a large drop in water levels with steam emission from the main vent area now more clearly visible.”

Despite the striking change, experts are not attributing this to increased volcanic activity. The UWI-SRC clarified, “The observed changes at the Boiling Lake are not currently considered to be an increase in volcanic activity in the area.”

However, the centre noted that the lake’s behaviour over the past 5-10 years suggests a new pattern of frequent instability cycles. This shift in behaviour necessitates increased caution for visitors to the area.

The UWI-SRC warned, “Caution should be exercised when visiting the area during such periods. During these episodes, harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, can be released.” They added, “Steam explosions may occur since underlying vents that supply water to the lake which may have become blocked are cleared without warning.”

The situation remains under close observation, with the UWI-SRC collaborating with the Office of Disaster Management, Dominica, and the Forestry Division to monitor developments and provide timely updates to the public.