Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Daily Report
Report for the period 16:00 01 April
to 07:00 02 April 1997
The current alert level is ORANGE


Activity at the volcano has been at a slightly lower level over night. Rockfall and small pyroclastic flow signals have dominated the seismic records, but there have been no major pulses of activity. A period of high amplitude tremor on the Gages seismometer occurred between 10:00 pm and 11:30 pm, but was only recorded at low amplitude on the other seismometers. A number of small hybrid earthquakes have also been recorded overnight. A large regional earthquake occurred at 2:15 am this morning. This was located close to Trinidad and had a magnitude of 5.7.

The volcano is currently very clear and reports from the airport suggest that there is enhanced steaming on the eastern and northern faces of the dome. Good views of the dome should be possible later in the day.

The heightened activity over the last few days is a result of dome growth of the southern part of the dome adjacent to the Galway's Wall and shows that pyroclastic flows from the dome can occur at any time. There should be no visits to zones A and B and only limited, short visits to zone C. Daytime occupation only is permitted in zone D. People should listen for further updates of the situation from the MVO. For the time being people are advised to remain vigilant while the new activity is being assessed and to always wear an ash mask in the dusty conditions. The Tar River Valley and White River area all the way to the sea are very dangerous and should not be entered at any time.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory