Government Information Service

The Volcanic Explanation
For The 24 Hour Period Ending 6 PM On Wednesday December 25, 1996
Christmas Day
A Presentation Of The Government Information Services
In Conjunction With The MVO.


At the soufriere Hills Volcano there has been continued growth of the October 1st dome (dome # 2) during today (Weds) especially on the northern face.

The eight hour cycles of continuous tremor continues so the seismic activity is high. This poses the real danger of pyroclastic flows into the Tar River Valley.

There is still the chance of a sudden collapse of the Galways Wall which would also cause material to go down White River towards O'Garro's.

Today there was rockfall activity from the Oct 1st dome and this generated ash clouds which went westwards in the wind.

The alert level remains at ORANGE which means there should be no one in Zones A,B,C, and D on the revised volcanic alert map for December. No one should try to sightsee the volcano from within these zones during the holiday period.

The staff at the MVO today sent Christmas greetings to all Montserratians.

Government Information Service