Government Information Service

The Volcanic Explanation
For The 24 Hour Period Ending 7 AM On Thursday May 15, 1997
A Presentation Of The Government Information Services
In Conjunction With The MVO.

The current alert level is AMBER


At the end of the 24 hour reporting period the activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano was reducing somewhat. There were fewer signals on the seismic system than there has been over the previous 72 hours.

Earlier in the period there had been a resumption of hybrid earthquakes as well as the usual long period events. In addition there was the occasional volcano-tectonic earthquake as well as rockfalls and small pyroclastic flows but of a reduced number.

Late yesterday afternoon and early this morning (Thursday) the cloud cover over the dome broke briefly and it was possible to see some of the northern and eastern sides of the dome from Whites. Small, near continuous rockfalls could be clearly seen from the north face of the dome probably caused by the hybrid earthquakes.

Testing of the new EDM reflectors recently installed was carried out yesterday, the sites have to be re-visited so that the reflectors can be moved slightly for better orientation.

The alert level remains at AMBER but the volcano is still active, the dome is growing and is dangerous. No one should visit the Tar River Valley or the White River Valley for any reason as these areas are extremely dangerous.

Government Information Service