Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Report
Report for the period 16:00 14 April
to 07:00 15 April 1997
The current alert level is ORANGE


The volcano has been generally quiet overnight, with a swarm of hybrid earthquakes and some minor rockfall activity.

The earthquake swarm started at 1:10 am with a small volcano-tectonic earthquake. This was followed by 53 hybrid earthquakes, and the swarm is still continuing. The largest earthquakes were slightly smaller than those in recent swarms.

The volcano is quite clear this morning, with a small amount of cloud and steam around the summit area. There is very little steam production.

Despite the apparent low level of activity, the volcano remains in an unstable state, with further dome growth in the southern region above the Galway's Wall. Another dome collapse is expected within the next week. This collapse will probably not be larger than the recent collapses. Residents of Montserrat should remain alert, and listen to Radio Montserrat for further updates. Ash masks should be worn in ashy environments. Visits to zone C should be restricted to those that are essential. All of Zone A, which includes Long Ground and St Patrick's, is very dangerous and should not be entered under any circumstances.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory