Government Information Service

The Volcanic Explanation
For The 24 Hour Period Ending 6 PM On Saturday 14 December, 1996
A Presentation Of The Government Information Services
In Conjunction With The MVO


The activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano remains at a high level but the number of volcano-tectonic earthquakes is at very low levels. Today (Saturday) there were no VT's recorded however, two long period events and one dome rockfall were recorded.

The cracks at Galways Wall are still giving scientists serious concern and the wall continues to disintegrate and could collapse at any time. Measurements were made today on the cracks at Chances Peak and they continue to grow.

This could lead to a lateral blast that could cause pyroclastic flows and surges in any direction around the volcano. Such an event could occur at any time with little or no warning.

The new dome in the crater is estimated to have volume of half a million cubic metres and this material has been given off over the past few days at a rate equal to the October 1st dome.

Visibility was poor most of the day so not many measurements were possible, however a GPS measurement was made and results are being processed.

The alert level remains at ORANGE which means there should be no one living in Zones A,B,C, and D.

At the MVO, Dr. Arafin arrived from the Seismic Research Unit in Trinidad along with Mr Latchman Pollard, in addition Mr Langlais also arrived from Guadeloupe. He is a communications expert attached to the Office of Maritime Affairs.

Government Information Service