Government Information Service

The Volcanic Explanation
For The 24 Hour Period Ending 7 AM On Thursday February 27, 1997
A Presentation Of The Government Information Services
In Conjunction With The MVO.

The current alert level is AMBER


The activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano has continued at a low level for the last 24 hours.

The seismic stations recorded swarms of volcano-tectonic earthquakes, low amplitude and medium amplitude tremors. One such swarm started at 5 am this morning (Thurs) and continues as we write. A few rockfall signals were also recorded.

Visibility was poor over the last 24 hours so no views of the dome were obtained. The COSPEC measurements taken on Tuesday showed a level of 217 tonnes per day of sulphur dioxide - a very low level.

Yesterday a GPS survey of the eastern network was carried out these reults will be available later in the week.

Scientists at the MVO warn that the volcano remains active and dangerous and as the dome is now larger than ever before it is likely to collapse at any time. This will lead to pyroclastic flows and ash clouds and everyone is urged to carry their dust masks with them wherever they go.

The alert level remains at AMBER which means that there is access to all zones except A (the closest to the volcano and hence the most dangerous) during the day. However residents are asked to remain vigilent whenever entering the unsafe zones. There is no access to Zones A,B, and C at night time as these areas are under a dusk till dawn curfew.

Government Information Service