Government Information Service

The Volcanic Explanation
For The 24 Hour Period Ending 7 AM On Sunday January 12, 1997
A Presentation Of The Government Information Services
In Conjunction With The MVO.


The level of activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano has dropped over the last 24 hours. There were fewer rockfall and pyroclastic flow signals, however the dome remains very unstable.

Observations were made from the helicpter yesterday afternoon (Saturday) and very few changes in the dome were spotted.

Seismic activity has been reduced with a little over 100 signals being recorded. COSPEC measurements were taken to measure the amount of gas in the atmosphere and results showed a figure of 410 tonnes per day which is similar to yesterday's reading.

Late yesterday, Dr Lloyd Lynch from the Seismic Research Unit in Trinidad arrived on island. During the course of next week he will take over as Head Scientist at the MVO.

The alert stage remains at ORANGE but residents are being advised to tune into Radio ZJB in case of changes.

Government Information Service