Government Information Service

The Volcanic Explanation
For The 24 Hour Period Ending 7 AM On Friday February 28, 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 is very low once again.

The seismic activity has been mainly volcano - tectonic earthquakes and hybrid earthquakes. There was also one regional event measured yesterday (Thursday).

There were some rockfall signals and mid afternoon yesterday there was a pyroclastic flow leading to ash clouds. These were blown westwards causing ash to fall on Plymouth.

There was some visibility yesterday and scientists noticed that the dome has increased in height and volume and that there is now a small summit spine on top of the January dome.

The dome is still very steep and unstable and more pyroclastic flows are expected in the near future. Galways Wall has deteriorated slightly since mid February.

EDM measurements were taken on the St Georges Hill - Windy Hill - Farrells northern triangle and the lines measured show slight changes.

Everyone in Montserrat is urged to keep tuned into Radio Montserrat for updates and if entering the unsafe zone have a rapid means of exit available to them. Also everyone is urged to wear their dust masks when in the unsafe zones.

Government Information Service