Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Report
Report for the period 4 pm 25 August
to 7 am 26 August 1997


Activity at the volcano continues at a reduced level. Activity overnight was quiet with occasional rock falls. The rockfall activity still occurs at regular intervals - the interval is now about 15 hours. The latest period of enhanced rockfall activity started about 7:30 pm yesterday and lasted a few hours. There was one other large rockfall during the night, at about 02:30 am.

The summit of the volcano is shrouded in cloud this morning. Dome glow was observed from the observatory last night during the period of rockfall activity. It was not possible to establish the exact location of the source of this glow.

Explosions may take place with little or no warning. These may be more intense and longer lasting than those already experienced. If explosions do occur, people should seek shelter under as strong a roof as possible and have a helmet or head protection available. After an explosion small rocks and ash can be expected to fall everywhere on the island. Ash and falling rocks make driving hazardous. Ash is present in the atmosphere and masks should be worn outdoors.

Pyroclastic flows are expected on all flanks of the volcano, and it is never safe to enter the exclusion zone, including the Belham river valley. Access to the exclusion zone is completely restricted. The access to areas south of the Nantes River is only allowed during the day for essential visits. Everyone should remain vigilant and continue to listen to Radio Montserrat.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory