Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Update
0700H 20 June, 1996


The overnight activity at the Soufriere Hill Volcano remained at a relatively low level. A number of small rockfall signals were recorded mainly by the seismic stations closest to the volcano and several larger ones were recorded on most of the network. Low to moderate amplitude broadband tremor was recorded for much of the period.

Cloud cover continues to hide the summit area so that no views of the crater area nor the upper reaches of the ghauts have been possible this morning.

Despite this low level of activity, the Soufriere Hills volcano remains potentially lethal to people and property on both the eastern and upper western flanks . The lava dome is still unstable and it continues to grow. Under these conditions it will continue to disintegrate in sections producing deadly pyroclastic flows. These flows are easily channelled down the ghauts that lead from English's Crater. The Tar River, Long Ground and Whites areas to the east and upper Fort Ghaut, Gages Village and Upper Amersham areas to the west are all extremely dangerous. The road between Lee's Estate and Ryners Village remains closed. People should not enter these areas under any circumstances. If they do, they put themselves and others at direct risk of very serious injury or horrible death. Visits to the other evacuated zones should be kept to an absolute minimum.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory