Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Report
Report for the period 16:00 04 January
to 07:00 05 February 1997
The current alert level is ORANGE


There was a further episode of volcano-tectonic earthquakes and volcanic tremor last night, the eighth such episode since Saturday. The earthquake swarm started at around 12:30 am, and lasted until just before the tremor started at 3:50 am. The tremor episode ended at 5:20 am. No ash was reported during the tremor episode, although there may have been some minor pyroclastic flow activity.

There have been a few rockfalls since the tremor ended, but in general the volcano is quiet this morning. Visibility is poor, and no observations of the volcano have been possible.

Last night's activity continues the recent trend, with earthquake swarms and tremor repeating every 13 or 14 hours. The next episode is expected in the late afternoon, and may produce some ash. The dome is potentially unstable, and so large pyroclastic flows are still 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