Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Daily Report
Report for the period 5 p.m. 1 March 1999
to 5 p.m. 2 March 1999


Activity at the volcano was higher during this reporting period. 20 rockfall signals and 7 volcano-tectonic earthquake were recorded in the last 24 hours.

A sudden pyroclastic flow occurred at 5:19 p.m. yesterday afternoon. The onset of the event was marked by a loud rumbling noise and an ash cloud travelling down the Tar River. This was followed by about 30 minutes of ash venting from within the gully running through the dome. The venting gradually decreased in vigour: at the start it was accompanied by a loud roaring noise for about 10 minutes. The ash cloud rapidly rose to about 20,000 feet and mostly drifted to the south-south-east. However, at lower levels ash was blown to the west and north-west of the volcano, depositing fine ash as far north as St. Peters.

Observations were made on a helicopter flight this morning. This confirmed that the main deposits were in the Tar River and reached as far as the new delta on the east coast. Minor deposits were noted in the Galway's area. Fine ash in the atmosphere west of the volcano prevented good views of Upper Gage's valley and Plymouth, but no major new deposits could be discerned.

Residents of Montserrat are advised to keep listening to ZJB Radio Montserrat for information in case of any changes in the state of the volcano.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory