Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Report
Report for the period 16:00 03 February
to 07:00 04 February 1997
The current alert level is ORANGE


The level of activity was lower overnight, with one swarm of volcano-tectonic earthquakes and an episode of tremor. Not much ash was generated in last night's activity, unlike the previous episode of tremor and pyroclastic flows yesterday morning.

The VT earthquake swarm began just before 6 pm, and was followed by a period of tremor from 8:40 pm to 10:20 pm. For the rest of the night, the volcano was quiet, with only a few small rockfalls.

The current pattern of activity is likely to continue, with regular swarms and tremor episodes, and some pyroclastic flows. The dome is growing as fast as it collapses, and so a repeat of yesterday's pyroclastic flow activity is possible. Residents are reminded to wear ash masks if there is ash in the air. The Tar River and upper Galway's areas are extremely dangerous, and should not be entered under any circumstances. Zone E, which includes Corkhill and the airport, remains safe at this time.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory