The activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano during this period has been at a slightly higher level than that observed during the previous 24 hours although overall it is still relatively low. Seismicity continues to be dominated by small- to moderate-sized rockfall signals. The largest were at 20:36 and 22:10 on 23 May and 03:56 and 08:32 on 24 May. The events which was recorded at 20:35 was associated with light ashfall in Lover's Lane, Ryners and Gages. There were 11 long-period events and no VT earthquakes recorded by the seismic network today. Intermittent low-amplitude broadband tremor was recorded on the Gages seismograph station up until 01:00 on 24 May. A regional earthquake of magnitude greater than 3 and located northeast of Guadeloupe, was recorded by the seismography network at 10:00 on 24 May.
Visibility was very poor, and the dome was covered in low cloud all day.
No EDM or GPS measurements were made today.
No gas measurements were made today using COSPEC. FTIR gas measurements were made today in Plymouth and Fox's Bay. The results of measurements conducted at Parsons Estate, St. George's Hill and Amersham on 21, 22 and 23 May indicate that HCL and SO2 levels are well below levels of concern for human habitation. The results for today are still being processed but preliminary analysis indicate similar low levels of HCl and SO2 in the atmosphere.
Professors Geoff Wadge of Reading University and Andy Wood of Bristol University left Montserrat today after a one week visit to the MVO. While on island discussion was held with scientists at the MVO and data collected for use in construction of a mathematical model of the Soufriere Hills Volcano.
The present level of activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano continues to cause concern to the scientists. The MVO urges that visits to the evacuated zone are kept to a minimum. The Tar River, Long Ground and Whites areas are extremely dangerous and should not be entered under any circumstances.