Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Report
Report for the period 16:00 24 April
to 07:00 25 April 1997
The current alert level is AMBER


Volcanic activity has been at a fairly low level overnight. The intensity of rockfall and pyroclastic flow activity has decreased significantly since yesterday afternoon, although a number of signals have still been recorded overnight. Other seismic activity is limited to long period earthquakes, many of which are preceding rockfalls.

Ash generation has dropped over night in line with the rockfall activity; small ash clouds seen so far this morning have been blown westwards over the Plymouth area. The high level of ash produced over the past two days has been a result of the rapid crumbling of the southwestern sector of the lava dome, and much of this ash has been blown towards the safe zone by the wind. This high ash production could continue for several days yet, and all residents are reminded to wear ash masks whenever entering into ashy areas.

The volcano remains in a dangerous state and rapid changes in the level of activity are still possible. All citizens of Montserrat are requested to stay alert, especially when in Zone C. All of Zone A, which includes Long Ground and St Patrick's, is still very dangerous and should not be entered under any circumstances.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory