Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Update
0700H 27 July, 1996


Activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano during the night continued at about the same rate as during the previous 24 hours. Signals indicative of small- to moderate-sized rockfalls from the flanks of the lava dome dominated the seismicity throughout the reporting period. The largest rockfalls occurred at 20:04 on 26 July, 02:03 and 02:47 on 27 July, with a period of slightly higher rockfall activity being noted from 19:00 to 21:00 on 26 July. Several small hybrid earthquakes were recorded but the number of long-period events was low. Approximately 15 small volcano-tectonic earthquakes occurred. Broadband tremor was intermittent and of low- to moderate-amplitude.

Visibility during the early morning period was very poor because of low cloud cover.

Dome growth is continuing and therefore the threats posed by the Soufriere Hills Volcano continue at the same or a greater level as over the past several months. The Tar River and Long Ground areas to the east and the upper Fort Ghaut, Gages Village and Upper Amersham areas to the west are still extremely hazardous. People should not enter these areas under any circumstances because they put themselves and others at direct risk of very serious injury or death. People are urged to keep visits to the evacuated zone to a minimum.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory