Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Daily Report
Report for the period 5 p.m. 3 June
to 5 p.m. 4 June 1998


The volcano has remained quiet today. Between 4 p.m. yesterday and 4 p.m. today 9 volcano-tectonic earthquakes and 4 rockfall signals triggered the seismic network.

Early yesterday evening heavy rainfall over the entire island generated mudflows on the volcano and triggered the seismic network for about an hour and a half. One of the major mudflows came down into the Belham Valley. The peak of the mudflow was witnessed on the Belham Bridge at 7:55 p.m. The temperature of the mudflow was at least 40oC. Light ash fall was also experienced which was attributed to water contacting hot pyroclastic flows on the flanks of the volcano. Field investigations of the area upstream from the Belham bridge today showed that the mudflow was not a major event, and this is confirmed by the seismic signal which was of low amplitude in comparison to similar mudflows last year. However, it is clear that further mudflows will occur during the rainy season and they most likely will involve more material than the event last night. MVO is currently working to investigate the most probable pathways for, and likely sizes of, future large mudflows.

Dust levels were low at all sites today.

Residents are reminded that the volcano remains in a potentially active state, and that they should continue listening to Radio Montserrat in case there are sudden changes.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory