Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Report
Report for the period 16:00 25 January
to 07:00 26 January 1997
The current alert level is ORANGE


The level of volcanic activity has been low overnight, with one swarm of volcano-tectonic earthquakes and some minor rockfall activity. The swarm of earthquakes lasted from 1 am to 4 am. Some of the earthquakes in the swarm were quite large, and during this sequence of swarms the magnitude of the earthquakes seems to be gradually increasing.

The visibility has improved slightly, and a dome survey from the helicopter is now under way. This survey will help to determine how much lava has come to the surface during the last week.

All indications are that dome growth continues in the south-east of the crater, and it is very likely that another collapse will occur in the next few days. Residents are therefore urged to be alert at all times. At the moment zone E, which includes Corkhill and the airport, remains safe. The Tar River area is extremely dangerous, and should not be entered in any circumstances.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory