The level of activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano increased during the last 24 hours with increased rockfall signals throughout yesterday (THURSDAY). There were in the region of 200 rockfall signals in the last 24 hours resulting in ash production for a considerable portion of this period. The ash was blown to the north west by the prevailing winds causing ash to fall in many areas of the safe zones.
The seismic stations recorded some long period earthquakes on the network but obviously the rockfalls have been the most dominant signal.
Visibility yesterday was good and several observations were possible from the helicopter, it was seen that most of the activity was on the western side of the Galways Wall, and a new chute has been eroded into the wall.
The south western sector of the dome is rapidly crumbling and is detiorating at a rapid rate. Much of the material is falling into the White River Valley.
The alert level remains at AMBER but residents are asked to remain vigilant and stay tuned to ZJB. The Galways and Tar River Valley areas are extremely dangerous and should not be visited for any reason what-so-ever.
Government Information Service