ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC) — Visitors to the Boiling Lake – a volcano-hydrothermal feature located in the southern end of the island, have been urged to avoid visiting the area due to a change in water levels.

The warning was issued by Office of Disaster Management and the Trinidad and Tobago-based Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine campus.

It’s reported that water levels have been changing in recent days, a phenomenon that has occurred several times since 1876.

The Boiling Lake is located in an area next to the Valley of Desolation – the lake levels have dropped significantly and been restored at least seven times in the recorded history – 1876, 1900, 1901, 1971, 1988 and 2004.

Earlier this month, visitors to the Boiling Lake reported a significant decrease in water levels, a situation that was confirmed by UWI scientists.

The scientists however noted that changes in water levels at the Boiling Lake are not necessarily related to increased volcanic activity in the area or to geothermal exploration.

However, during these episodes harmful gases, such as carbon dioxide, can be released and small steam explosions may also occur.

The last such occurrence was December 2004 to April 2005.

In the wake of this latest development, the disaster officials report that people are swimming in the lake as the water is now cold, however, they have been warned leave the area immediately as the water can return to its original boiling state with little or no warning.

The general public has also been told to avoid the area until the activity has subsided and only officials involved in the monitoring of the Boiling Lake should venture in that area.