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The Volcanic Explanation
For The 24 Hour Period Ending 7 AM On Sunday February 23, 1997
A Presentation Of The Government Information Services
In Conjunction With The MVO.

The current alert level is AMBER


The level of activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano has remained about the same for the last 24 hours.

There have been further swarms of earthquakes with both volcano-tectonic and hybrid events being recorded. As ususal these events have been too small to feel but are recorded by the seismic stations.

Yesterday (Sat) the dome was covered in cloud all day so no visual observations could be made, however today is looking better and a little later there will be an attempt to get some observations in from the helicopter.

During the last 24 hours there have been no ash falls reported.

The dome is now larger than it has ever been before and scientists at the MVO believe it will collapse in the near future leading to large pyroclastic flows which probably will go down the tar River Valley.

The alert level remains at AMBER and residents can have day time access to all zones but Zone A (the closest to the volcano and hence the most dangerous). However they should have a rapid means of exit and stayed tune to the local radio station for updates. There is no night time access to Zones A, B, and C.

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