Government Information Service

The Volcanic Explanation
For The 24 Hour Period Ending 7 AM On Wednesday February 26, 1997
A Presentation Of The Government Information Services
In Conjunction With The MVO.

The current alert level is AMBER


Once again the activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano has been at a low level. During the last 24 hours there have some seismic signals in the form of low amplitude tremor which began at about 1 am yesterday morning (Tuesday). This intensified from about 8 pm last night and then began to fade early this morning (Weds).

There was a regional earthquake recorded overnight but the exact poition is not known at present.

Some COSPEC measurements were taken yesterday to measure the amount of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere. Results will be known later today.

Rockfall signals have been few and these have only been small events, however scientists warn that the dome is now larger than ever before and that rockfall and pyroclastic flows could occur at any time.

For these reasons residents are being warned that they should keep well clear of Long Ground, The Tar River Valley and Upper Galways as they are very dangerous. It must be pointed out that all these areas are in Zone A and have been evacuated for long periods.

Residents are being allowed during the day into other zones on the understanding that they have rapid means of exit, a radio to tune to ZJB for updates and an ash mask to wear in ashy areas. Zones A,B, and C are under dusk to dawn curfews and therefore there is no access at night.

Government Information Service