Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Daily Report
Report for the period 6pm 8 May
to 6pm 9 May 1998


The level of seismic activity has dropped slightly over the past 24 hours.

Between 4pm yesterday and 4pm today there were 8 volcano-tectonic earthquakes, and one hybrid event recorded by the seismograph network. Located earthquakes were tightly clustered and lie directly below the volcano at depths of 2-3km. This is in keeping with the volcano-tectonic earthquake activity observed since the decline in extrusive activity in mid-March. Two small rockfalls were also recorded.

A moderate mudflow signal was picked up on the seismographs on the volcano during heavy rain starting at about 4.40pm. The signals peaked within ten minutes and then declined. The first part of the flow water was observed to reach Belham Bridge at about 5.25pm (that is, about 45 minutes later) and this reached a peak by 6.00pm (an hour and a quarter after the peak on the mountain). The flow in the river was not deep but was carrying fist-sized pumice blocks and rocks downstream.

Dust levels at all monitoring stations remained low today.

Residents are reminded that the volcano remains in an active state, and that they should continue listening to Radio Montserrat in case the present quiet situation at the volcano changes suddenly.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory