Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Update
0700H 28 July, 1996


The level of activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano during the night was higher than that observed during the previous 24 hours. Rockfalls from the lava dome continued to dominate the records. Several signals interpreted as representing large rockfalls were recorded at 16:29, 18:06, 20:23 and 20:26 on 27 July and 03:02, 03:54, 05:16 and 06:38 on 28 July. A few small pyroclastic flows may have occurred in the upper parts of the Tar River Valley. Most of these generated small- to moderate-sized ash clouds which were blown to the west and northwest, with possible light ashfall in Gages, St. George's Hill, Cork Hill and Garibaldi Hill. Several small hybrid earthquakes were recorded but the number of long-period events was low. No volcano-tectonic earthquake was recorded. Broadband tremor was intermittent and of low- to moderate-amplitude.

Visibility during the early morning period was very poor because of low cloud cover. However, streaks of brown could be seen in the west to northwest drifting cloud, indicating the presence of ash.

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