Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Daily Report
Report for the period 6 pm 23 October
to 6 pm 24 October 1997


The level of activity at the volcano has remained low during the last 24 hours. It now seems that the sequence of explosions that started on September 22nd has come to an end.

It has been cloudy all day today, meaning that the new dome inside the explosion crater has not been observed again and we do not know how big it now is. There were 22 hybrid earthquakes, 15 volcano tectonic earthquakes, 7 long period earthquakes and 13 rockfall signals between 4 pm yesterday and 4 pm today. These earthquakes are perhaps connected to dome growth.

There have been two or three small pyroclastic flow signals today and more pyroclastic flows can be expected as the dome gets bigger. There is still a chance that explosions can happen at any time . It is not safe to live in Friths, Old Towne or Salem.

The ash sampling program continues and the results today indicate that the levels are low. However, there is still a significant amount of ash around on roads, which is easily lifted into the air by traffic. Cleaning also lifts a lot of dust so people are urged to wear their masks if they are engaged in these activities.

All residents of Montserrat are reminded to be vigilant, to avoid entering the evacuated zone and to stay tuned to Radio Montserrat for further information.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory