Government Information Service

The Volcanic Explanation
For The 24 Hour Period Ending 6 PM On Friday December 20, 1996
A Presentation Of The Government Information Services
In Conjunction With The MVO.


The activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano has caused scientists to recommend a continuation of the RED alert currently in force.

The pyroclastic flows and dome collapse of yesterday evening stopped during the night but today (Friday) a swarm of volcano-tectonic earthquakes started back up once again. These were of a very high intensity and once again put the Galways Wall at risk of collapse.

The intense activity at the dome over the past few days seems to have subsided but the re-emergence of volcano - tectonic earthquakes are cause for great concern. The vibrations from these VT's are expected to cause further rockfall signals from the Galways Wall.

There were a few such signals today and it must be remembered that the Galways Wall is already under great strain.

Scientists today were measuring how far the pyroclastic flows travelled down Hot River (on the south side of Castle Peak) during yesterdays events. They very nearly reached the sea.

During the RED alert there should be no one living in Zones A,B,C,D, or E on the December revised risk map as all these zones have been evacuated.

The scientists will meet very early on Saturday morning to review the level of activity and to advise on the alert stage.

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