The level of activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano during this reporting period has continued at about the same slightly less elevated level seen during the previous 24 hours.
Small- to moderate-sized rockfalls from the lava dome continue to dominate the seismicity. Approximately 100 signals indicative of rockfalls were recorded. The largest of these events occurred at 20:04 on 26 July, 02:03, 02:47 and 09:59 on 27 July . A period of slightly more intense rockfall activity was noted from 19:00 to 21:00 on 26 July. Several of the larger rockfalls were probably associated with small ash clouds which were, as usual, blown on the wind towards the west, resulting in very small ashfalls in the Upper Gages, Amersham areas. Fifteen volcano-tectonic earthquakes occurred and these were located at shallow depths beneath the crater region. One of the VTs which occurred at 21:56 on 26 July was reported felt in some areas in the south of the island. Thirty six (36) hybrid and 5 long-period earthquakes were also recorded. These were generally very small. Broadband tremor occurred intermittently throughout the reporting period and was of low- to moderate-amplitude.
Visibility was generally very poor during the whole reporting period because of low cloud cover and rain.
GPS measurements were made but the results are not yet available. FTIR measurements of the volcanic gases were also made but the data is still being processed. No gravity, EDM or COSPEC measurements were made.
The Soufriere Hills Volcano is still considered to be highly dangerous to people and property on it's eastern and upper western flanks. Visits to the evacuated zone must be kept to a minimum. The Tar River and Long Ground areas to the east and upper Fort Ghaut, Gages Village and Upper Amersham areas to the west are all extremely dangerous. All access roads to these areas remain closed and people should not enter these areas under any circumstances. If they do, they put themselves and others at direct risk of serious injury or death.