Government Information Service

The Volcanic Explanation
For The 24 Hour Period Ending 7 AM On Tuesday March 04, 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 been at a low level for the past 24 hours. There have been just a few small earthquakes up until very early this morning when a swarm of volcano-tectonic and hybrid events started and is still going on.

There have been about 30 rockfall signals over the reporting period and there was also a flash flood signal in the Fort Ghaut area early this morning (Tuesday).

Over the last few days there has been some visibility of the dome and scientists observing it from the helicopter are reporting that it is growing larger and higher.It continues to grow at about 4 cubic metres per second.

COSPEC measurements were taken yesterday to check the level of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere, results show a low level of 174 tonnes per day.

The volcano remains active and dangerous and there is a very steep face on the eastern side of the zone. There will be further pyroclastic flows down this face so residents must remain vigilent. Ash levels in Plymouth are described as hazardous and everyone is urged to have their dust masks to wear if necessary.

Government Information Service