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

The current alert level is ORANGE


The level of activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano has dropped over the last 24 hours.

There was just one swarm of hybrid earthquakes, fewer than 50 rockfalls and no pyroclastic flows recorded what-so-ever in the reporting period. The seismic network recorded a regional earthquake during the day yesterday (Monday).

The quieter activity allowed scientists to visit the top of Chances Peak to carry out routine work including downloading the information from the strong motion earthquake recorders stationed there. Other data from Chances Peak suggests that the rate of deformation over the last few days has decreased.

There was a little ashfall yesterday and some is expected today, because the wind is blowing from the southeast it is expected that this will fall in the safe zones.

For all of yesterday and again this morning (Tuesday) the top of the dome is covered completely by cloud so visibility is very poor. However, scientists believe that the active face of the dome is to the north and this means that there may be overspill of volcanic debris into the ghauts on the northern face such as White's, Tuitt's and Mosquito Ghauts. No one should visit these areas or the Long Ground, Tar River or Galways areas as they are all very dangerous.

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