Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Report
Report for the period 4 pm 17 September
to 7 am 18 September 1997


Volcanic activity continued at a moderate level overnight. A hybrid swarm started at about 7:30 pm, this contained only a few events but they were of high amplitude. Overlapping with the swarm elevated rockfall and pyroclastic flow activity began at about 9 pm and continued until about 1 am this morning.

The level of activity has been elevated for several days now, and larger collapses can be expected. The timing and size of these collapses is impossible to predict, but large pyroclatic flows could travel far down the Belham Valley as far as the sea. Residents of the exclusion zone south of Nantes River are thus urged to move north, as pyroclastic flows in the Belham Valley could produce surges threatening the Friths, Old Towne, Olveston and Salem areas.

Large collapse espisodes have in the past lead to explosive activity at the volcano, and residents are reminded that ash and rocks could fall anywhere on the island during such activity. If an explosion occurs, stay indoors under a strong part of the roof. All Montserratians are advised to keep listening to Radio Montserrat for updates on the situation.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory