There was another explosion at 6:40 yesterday evening. A hybrid swarm started at about 6:30 this morning but so far has not led to another explosion. The hybrids are continuing at the time this report is being written.
The explosion yesterday evening was followed by pyroclastic flows down Tuitt's Ghaut, the Tar River Valley and Gages Valley. The usual tremor episode lasted longer than usual, going on for 3 and a half hours. The ash cloud from this event went up to 15,000 feet and was blown north - dropping ash throughout the island for a prolonged period of time.
In the last 24 hours there have been 34 hybrid earthquakes, 2 long period earthquakes, one of which was followed by a rockfall, 7 other rockfalls and 2 volcano-tectonic earthquakes. Apart from a few of the rockfalls all of this activity has occurred since the hybrid swarm began. The swarm is sparse with only a few events each hour but some of the hybrid earthquakes are large.
More explosions are expected and it is always possible that the next one will go on for longer than those previously experienced. If an explosion were considerably longer lasting than those already seen then it would be followed by bigger pyroclastic flows and surges. Material would then be expected to get further down Tyer's Ghaut and into the Belham River and all residents still remaining in Friths, Old Towne and Salem are urged to move out as soon as possible.
After explosions, fallout can occur anywhere on the island and hard hats or other suitable protection should be worn outside, if possible stay indoors until the fallout is over. Driving during ash or pumice fall is dangerous and should be avoided if possible. When driving on ashy roads drive slowly, particularly near pedestrians and allow plenty of time for your journey. The wearing of ash masks is recommended at all times. Everyone is advised to keep listening to Radio Montserrat for information on the activity.