Government Information Service

The Volcanic Explanation
For The 24 Hour Period Ending 7 AM On Sunday February 02, 1997
A Presentation Of The Government Information Services
In Conjunction With The MVO.


There has been an increase in activity over the last 24 hours at the Soufriere Hills Volcano. There have been several episodes of rockfall and pyrocrastic flow as well as flood signals in Fort Ghaut.

There have been three major swarms of volcano - tectonic earthquakes, the last finishing at about 2 am this morning (Sunday) followed by high amplitutde seismic tremor.

There was flooding in Fort Ghaut yesterday (Sat) and one wooden house was washed away completely as was the water pipe under the upper bridge of the ghaut.

At lunch time yesterday, there was a pyroclastic flow into the Tar River Valley causing ash clouds to reach 8000 feet.

During the night there were further tremors and then continuous rockfall once again causing ash this time up to heights of 5000 feet.

This morning visibility is poor but scientists feel that the dome is unstable and likely to collapse shortly causing further pyroclastic flows.

The alert level remains at ORANGE, and every one is urged to keep clear of Long Ground, Tar River and Upper Galways as they are extremely dangerous.

Government Information Service