Montserrat Volcano Observatory


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


Activity at the volcano has continued at a low level during the reporting period. Small to moderate sized rockfall signals have been recorded throughout the period. Low amplitude tremor which began on the Gages seismic station from 1.00 am on 25 February continued overnight. This tremor intensified from about 8:00 pm last night and became visible on most seismic stations close to the volcano. The tremor level began to decrease after about 11:00 pm and had returned to background by 02:30 am this morning. One volcano-tectonic earthquake and a single regional event were the only other seismic signals recorded.

Low level cloud over the volcano has prevented any views of the summit so far this morning.

The volcano remains active and potentially dangerous. The lava dome is currently larger than it ever has been before, with a steep eastern face, so further pyroclastic flows are likely. People entering zone C must remain alert, listen to Radio Montserrat and be ready to leave at short notice. Only essential visits should be made. The ash levels in Plymouth are hazardous, and it is extremely important to wear an ash mask when there is ash in the air.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory