Svartstein Mountain Eruption (Closed) [GO News Cycle]

[Greater Olympia]

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Svartstein Mountain shortly after erupting

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GNN Breaking News

"Good evening everyone I'm Alison Copperfield with breaking news from Skaltholm. Moments ago a massive volcanic eruption occurred on one of the nation's islands. Here's a live look at it now. Wow... that is incredible. We've got Asseri Koponen, a seismologist from the University of Ensrup on the line now. Asseri what can you tell us about this eruption?"

"Yes, Alison. This is unprecedented. Svartstein mountain has been dormant for more than a hundred years now with the last eruption happening back in 1906. That was just a little one compared to this eruption. Now we knew that the mountain was seeing some more recent activity but no one predicted an eruption of this size."

"Of course Asseri. Is there anything you can tell us about the impacts of an eruption like this?"

"Well to start we recorded the vibrations here in Ensrup I can't imagine what it must've felt like in Skaltholm. An eruption like this is going to have some long-term effects especially on the air quality in the region as well as the climate. Oh wow, it looks like... the clouds from the volcano can be seen on the horizon here. Wow.

"Thank you Asseri we'll let you go. I'm also joined by economist Stefan van der Kaa. Stefan, I think there's gonna be some economic effects from this one. Am I right?"

"Absolutely Alison, the Svartstein Mountain is situated on the Gulf of Salon which is a major shipping route. So I can see this volcano not only disrupting flights in and around the Storsnian and Nezlotahan continents but disrupting international shipping as well."

"Thanks Stefan. We're gonna go to a quick commercial break here and then we'll be right back with continuing coverage of the Svartstein eruption. Stay tuned.

[Dau Sel]

The television screen lights up as Foreign Minister Killian Mac Ghabhann sits down.

"I'm just saying I expected more." says the Foreign Minister as he looks behind him at Prime Minister Muirenn as she hangs up her coat.

"These things move slowly. Sometimes the important thing is just showing up." replies Muirenn. This is a conversation they had already had several times since they returned from the most recent Assembly of Nations meeting.

"Breaking news out of Skaltholm today as one of the nation's islands has suffered a massive volcanic eruption leading to enormous-"

"Some times it's hard to tell if they're moving slowly or not at all. I have been-" responds Mac Ghabhann, still with his focus on the Prime Minister.

"Wait" interjects Muirenn as she intently watches the television and moves next to Mac Ghabhann. Following her cue Mac Ghabhann turns his attention to the news report.

"...loss of life at the moment but there have been reports from nearby Storsnia of the eruption being heard hundreds of miles away. The eruption and smoke have caused the grounding of all nearby flights for the foreseeable future. We are still getting reports of..."

Prime Minister Muirenn stands up and quickly grabs the coat that she had hung up only moments earlier.

"We need to meet with the cabinet. I'm not sure exactly what this eruption will mean but we need to be prepared." says Muirenn as she quickly puts on her coat. Mac Ghabhann turns off the television and quickly follows Muirenn out of the room.

[Volga-Dnieper]

Alexandra Stamboliyskaya was residing in her office in the Palace of Councils. She was skimming through a massive heap or reports and the smile, the rare wide grin didn't leave her face.

The reports were showing her projections of the economic growth coming to life. The 2021 Third Quarter Report was a huge success in the Assembly and the Fourth Quarter Report and the Yearly Report will be even greater successes. How would they not, with 15% yearly GDP growth they were showing? Whether those numbers were fudged or not didn't matter. Tanayan economy was marching forward towards greater riches and the day was coming close where it would become the shining model for the world to follow.

The phone call interrupted her thoughts. She slightly sighed as her smile faded away.

"Yes, Elsamari."
"Urgent report from the Institute of Seismology, comrade Chairman. Forwarding it to you."

...INSEISMO?! For a split second Chairman froze in her armchair. INSEISMO, the Institute of Seismology. Not often did they send reports directly to her. Practically, they never did. Seismology was too far from concerns of the Republican Economic Council; even further from Stamboliyskaya who knew nothing of it and then less.

As she regained composure, she hastily went up her report mailbox to look at the unexpected report. Eruption of the Svartstein mountain. They worked very fast to prepare the freshest possible data from just three hours ago. A particularly bad eruption, yes, but what was the concern? It's Storsnian issue, after all, not hers? Correct?

She looked at the world map to her left. Not quite.

Picking up the phone, she dialed the REC Headquarters Building...

[Twynam]

Skaltholm Volcano Eruption Causes Traffic Chaos


Storsnian passengers stranded at Theun Grefelman International Airport

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The mountain of Svartstein has today unprecedentedly erupted after just over 100 years of dormancy. Volcanic ash in the atmosphere has already caused large disruptions in international flights as passengers are left dumb-founded at cancellations of flights in airports across the country.

Volcanic ash has a detrimental effect on planes flying through it. Pilots experience visual phenomenons before the ash chokes the engines causing airliners to turn into gliders mid-flight. Several incidents has occurred due to Volcanic ash which many thankfully are non-fatal.

The Prime Minister offered disaster support to Svartstein citing friendship between Svarstein and Twynam as well as nearby Storsnia. The PM also answered questions relating to air travel in the region and shipping disruptions especially in the Gulf of Salon.

It is unknown at the current moment the exact effect the eruption on Svartstein will have on the continent which Twynam resides or the whole of Olympus and the Prime Minister's office asserted that they were closely monitoring the situation in Svartstein.

[Apsica]

A few hours after eruption...
Communications Director Roosje van Rijssen steps through the front door of Kuiper House, the Prime Minister's official residence, walking confidently to the podium set out while facing the press with a face blank of emotion and a dossier under one arm. A few cameras flitter taking photographs, many are recording. At the podium, she places the dossier down and looks around at the small crowd, before leaning slightly into the microphone. The dossier, in fact, carries blank papers. The Director doesn't need any reference material, but she's found it useful as a prop to introduce with.

"Good afternoon, everyone. This is a briefing on the Apsican response to the Skaltholm Eruption earlier today, which I'm sure you're all already well informed about. I can imagine you're anxious to get to the details, so I'll try to make this quick and get to your questions."

"Following the triggering of seismic readers this morning, the Civil Defense Bureau quickly reached out to share data with our Storsnian counterparts and get an idea of the scale of this event, data which we will be making publicly available in due time. Certainly, it seems like a major event. The Prime Minister was pulled away from her commitment with the Rangers Service to be briefed, and returned to Centrumstad on Rail One to coordinate the government response."

"The Prime Minister held a conference call with the Premiers of Oddering, Mitland, Skove, and Navanger, which cover the vast majority of the area our projections expect to be majorly impacted by the environmental and economic effects of the event, one hour ago. Prime Minister Reno assured the Premiers of the Federal Government's support, and a Federal care package is being actively considered for the half-year fiscal update spending - in the immediate term local Civil Defense is being supported by federal units to assist in getting boats out of the water in the gulf, and minimizing the effects of ash fall. Later this afternoon, the Prime Minister will be taking a call with First Minister Tamvere, and we're in close communication with the government in Twynam, to coordinate the regional response."

The Director almost feels like sighing as she gets to the part everyone's been waiting for. "I can confirm that from this point, civilian air travel is being grounded across the Northern and Northwestern Civil Defense areas, and we're looking to redirect aircraft in other areas as we expect no-fly zones to increase in scale before the ash cloud reaches it's maximum extent." As mouths open and before a word is said, the Director raises a palm. "Please. Now, this is obviously still an evolving situation, and the government is keeping its options open as to any further required response measures. The Council of State will be meeting later this afternoon, to draw up an outline of a full response plan, going forwards."

Finished with her briefing, the Director's face betrays none of her disdain as she nods. "Now, your questions."

[Storsnia]

15:55
Vilnu, Storsnia
Vilnu Municipal Train Station

A press room was hastily set up in one of the conference rooms in the Vilnu train station located squarely in the center of the city. First Minister Tamvere was in the city visiting a Mikrotek production facility on the outskirts of town. It was part of her goal to grow the tech industry in Storsnia as part of Tamvere and the Chamber of Representatives Green Recovery Plan. The First Minister was just at the end of the factory tour when the Svartstein mountain erupted. After Tamvere's security detail discovered that the shocks were earthquake waves and not an attempt on her life she was whisked away to her convoy and hastily driven to the nearby train station where the press gathered. A quick conference call with her cabinet only sightly prepared her for the onslaught of reporters and journalists.

"We're here Madam First Minister" A tall dark-haired man sitting in the passenger seat observed.

"Great" Tamvere said sarcastically. "Thank you Taavi"

Taavi nodded, exited the vehicle, scanned the steps of the train station then opened the door for Tamvere.

Tamvere exited the black SUV of Storsnian design with a smile like she always has and briskly strode up the stairs. Reporters could be seen on either side of the steps yelling out questions in the hopes they might get lucky and the First Minister would grace them with an answer. Alas, Tamvere learned from her father to only talk to reporters on your terms. After a short walk through the train station, Tamvere and her detail arrived at the makeshift press room. Tamvere bravely took the podium to give a short address.

"Good afternoon, everyone. As I'm sure all of you have heard the Svartstein mountain has erupted in neighboring Skaltholm. I'm going to make this quick and to the point.

Effective immediately all air travel to and from Eastern and Central Storsnian is to be delayed indefinitely or rerouted away from the ash cloud. I am also ordering the Coast Guard to begin the process of escorting ships in the Gulf of Salon to the nearest port where they can wait out the eruption's effects. I know this might be disappointing to many of you, however, this is the safest course of action." Tamvere watched as the journalist furiously wrote in their notes.

"Immediately after this statement, I will be boarding a train back to the nation's capital where I will meet with my cabinet to discuss a more long-term response as well as what we can do for our island neighbors in their time of need. Following that, I will be meeting with local governors virtually to discuss their cantons response as well as what the federal government can do to help." Tamvere took a short pause to let the journalists catch up.

"Thankfully the bulk of the ash cloud will not directly affect Storsnia, however, our neighbors will certainly be affected by it. I plan on talking with Prime Minister Reno later today to coordinate a regional response. Thank you everyone and stay safe." Tamvere left the podium and boarded the train as reporters shouted questions at her once again.

On the train, Tamvere quickly realized how she handled this situation could set the tone for the rest of her term. Her response needs to be swift and decisive, but calm and tactical. This would be only the second major crisis the young lady from the suburbs of Ensrup had to endure as First Minister and it certainly won't be the last.

[Dau Sel]

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER
November 1, 2021

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On October 17, 2021 the mountain of Svartstein in the nation of Skaltholm unexpectedly and violently erupted. This eruption has impacted people all around the world, most notably of course in Skaltholm but also the nations of Storsnia and The United Dominions. As the quakes subside and the recovery begins we would like to pledge to do our part in this endeavor. We extend a helping hand to our friends across the ocean in the spirit of cooperation.

As cleanup of the destruction and ash left in the wake of this disaster continues we offer volunteers to assist in this process.

Many of those within Skaltholm lost their homes and all they hold dear. Many even lost their lives.

This destruction has led to a refugee crisis in the region with many citizens of Skaltholm needing to look abroad for sanctuary. Primarily these evacuees have been arriving on the shores of Storsnia and The United Dominions. We are offering to expedite the immigration process for those who were displaced by the eruptions, whether they are seeking sanctuary here in the long or short term.

We will get through this together.

Effie Muirenn

Effie Muirenn
Prime Minister of Dau Sel

[Storsnia]

SGS Issues Tsunami Advisory for Southeastern Coast
Otso Leinonen
17 October 2021

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FARSUND - The Storsnian Geology Society has issued a tsunami advisory for the Southeastern coast following an earthquake that occurred shortly after the Svartstein Mountain eruption. The SGS recorded a magnitude 7.2 earthquake off the coast of Skaltholm shortly after the volcanic eruption occurred. SGS Director Enni Salmela stated that there was a high likelihood that the two events are connected and that smaller aftershocks should be affected.

The SGS issues a tsunami advisory when "a tsunami with the potential to generate strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or very near the water is imminent, expected, or occurring". The current advisory affects the entirety of the southeastern coast from Vilnu to the border of Storsnia and the United Dominions with the possibility that the advisory is upgraded to a warning once the SGS learns more about the situation.

As for the situation in Skaltholm, it has gone from bad to worse as the eruption and accompanying earthquake has caused a massive landslide. Further adding to the destruction more than half of the country is without power and communications are severely overloaded. Ports have since been closed in Storsnia and Skaltholm making it difficult for those in danger from leaving. The world will surely have to come together to aid the people of Skaltholm.

[Volga-Dnieper]

2200, 17.11.2021.
Plamen, TSPR.

Any country, bourgeois or socialist alike, has its secrets. Some of them are open secrets. And, despite whatever whoever wanted to believe, Tanayan SPR had no less of those than any other country.

Mirai and Elsamari had a dinner in their flat in Plamen. It was good but relatively spartan comparing to what could be expected of the politicians of their status: the Plenipotentiary for Ideological Analysis and the Secretary of the Presidium were definitely not the last positions in the state. Yet luxuries were a privilege of bourgeois politicians, separating them from their people and deafening their class consciousness ─ which played into the hands of the exploiter classes. Unlike those despicable "pinkies", Tanayan S.P.R., the lone beacon of true, pure socialism in Olympia, could not allow such nonsense in its political ranks.

The two, however, did make a nice atmosphere for such trivial matter. Two candles were lit on the table, the only sources of light in the otherwise darkened and shut room, and the two were in their fine dresses. The Secretary quietly treasured the sight of Mirai in a dress; usually, she wore an eight-buttoned rayevka, giving her otherwise stern appearance even sterner sight.

"So, comrade Chairman believes these cataclysms won't affect us?" Mirai said, cutting a cutlet.
"Adamant as ever." Elsamari sipped red wine. "And she sounds damn convincing this time, I'm even starting to believe her."
"I have all the reasons to believe her." The Plenipotentiary interjected. "She has guided Tanaya through the whole Reconstruction, no reason she can fail after twenty years of successes. And besides, we don't have any connections with UD, Twynam or other bastards close to that volcano." She slightly smiled. "We may even call it a nature's goodwill."

"They're going to get very hurt." The Secretary grinned. Mirai smirked.
"And more than you may think. Cheers."
"Cheers." A clink of glass and ─ "...wait, how?"

Mirai sipped as if nothing happened and filed her glass with prepeka, a stronger brew. The other followed the suit.

"Well, today they had volcano eruption, tsunami and I don't even know what will befall on them tomorrow. Communications over half of the continent will go bust and just imagine how it can hurt their economies."
Elsamari raised her eyebrows. "Quite severely, I gather. But, so what, are you gonna push them over or something?"
"Precisely. With a surgical strike on their own field."

The Secretary tilted her head, so Mirai continued. "A well-placed bunch of commentaries by well-paid journalists ─ not leftist ones, of course ─ and some panicked actions with stocks will bring the entire continent down into a recession, Elsamari. And my people can have the first handled, so I will have them put our friends to good use."
The other looked into her glass, smiled, then stood up and went to the Plenipotentiary.

"You know, this is one of the things why I love you, Mirai." She said, taking a seat on the other's knees and embracing her neck. "Cheers for the Great Recession."

Mirai smiled and raised her glass. "Cheers!"

Clink.