Speaking to Lusa agency, the president of CIVISA, Gabriela Queiroz, recalled that the seismic crisis in São Jorge began on March 19, 2022 due to “seismic values well above normal” and “indicators that demonstrated the occurrence of deformation”.

The alert level, which was at V4 (the highest pre-eruptive level), has moved from V3 (signs of high activity) to V2 (signs of moderate activity), according to the Regional Government.

“What we found is that in the last six months seismicity levels have decreased. Although they remain above normal, we do not have, in other parameters, any indicator of anomalous behaviour”, explained Gabriela Queiroz.

The university professor, with a doctorate in Volcanology, warned, however, that despite “not being so evident”, the volcanic system continues to “show signs of instability”.

“[The reduction in the alert level] does not mean, obviously, that peaks of greater seismic activity and higher energy peaks cannot occur. Earthquakes felt by the population may occur,” she said.

Highlighting that if necessary the “situation will always be reassessed”, the president of CIVISA “completely” rejected the end of the seismic crisis and highlighted that the reduction in the alert level is also due to the “absence” of indicators such as crustal deformation and the release of volcanic gases.

“We are moving to a V2. We are not moving to a V0. What we are saying is that, in fact, seismic activity shows signs of decreasing, but remains above normal parameters”, she reinforced.