Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Report
Report for the period 16:00 10 March
to 07:00 11 March 1997
The current alert level is AMBER


Overnight the level of activity has continued at a similar level to that observed yesterday. Up to 10pm last night the seismicity was dominated by rockfall signals and periods of low level tremor. Following this there was a brief lull in activity until just before 3am this morning. At this time an earthquake swarm began and is continuing at the time of reporting. There have also been some rockfall signals during this swarm.

Overnight rain has caused heavy cloud to form over the volcano and therefore no good views have been obtained this morning.

MVO would like to re-iterate the following points. The volcano remains active and potentially dangerous. The lava dome is currently larger than ever before and shows signs of becoming more active. There are several areas on the eastern and south eastern face which appear very unstable and further pyroclastic flows are likely. Explosive activity similar to the September 17 event and possibly larger is still a distinct possibility. 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