Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Update
0700H 17 April, 1996


Seismic activity during the night has continued at the slightly decreased rate observed for most of the day time. The seismicity continues to be dominated by the occurrence of small, hybrid earthquakes at shallow depths beneath the volcano . The rate of occurrence was about one every two minutes during most of the night but has changed to about one per minute since 05:30 this morning. The size of the events has also varied. At the Gages seismic station, a few episodes of low amplitude broadband tremor up to one hour in duration were also recorded. Very few rockfall or explosion signals were recorded.

No early morning viewing of the crater area has taken place because of low cloud cover on the mountain.

Scientists at the MVO still remain gravely concerned about the current level of activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano and urge that visits to the evacuated zone be restricted to those that are absolutely essential. The Tar River, Long Ground and Whites areas are now extremely dangerous, and should not be entered under any circumstances.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory