The level of activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano was at its lowest during this update period compared to that seen during the past several days. Many small- to moderate-sized rockfalls were recorded, with the largest occurring at 19:51 on 07 August and 04:15 on 08 August. The near-periodic episodes of large-amplitude, low frequency tremor that have been a dominant characteristic for about the past one week were not generated during this period. The sequences of small hybrid earthquakes and/or small volcano-tectonic earthquakes which precede the tremor still occur but the amplitudes and rate do not increase to the point where the events merge into a continuous tremor, i.e., they remain distinct events throughout the episodes rather than merging into a continuous tremor. Three of these sequences were recorded during the reporting period and these were dominated by hybrid events , with very few VTs. These sequences are probably associated with magma migration from shallow depths to the surface as the process of dome growth at the Soufriere Hills volcano continues. However, the changes seen in the nature of the sequences may indicate that the recent high rate of dome growth has decreased.
Visibility was very poor during the early part of the morning from both Bramble Control Tower and the Observatory.
While the current phase of activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano continues, hazards in some areas of the evacuated zone have increased significantly. In particular, we expect significant-sized pyroclastic flows to occur more frequently in the Tar River Valley area. These will obviously be associated with ash clouds which will be blown on the wind, with areas affected by ashfall being determined by the wind direction and strength at that time. The Tar River Valley and surrounding areas are now extremely hazardous, and should not be entered under any circumstances. If activity continues, there is a risk that flows or ash surges may come over Farrells' Wall and the upper reaches of some of the ghauts closest to the Tar River Valley. People are, therefore, advised not to work these areas. We also urge individuals who continue to ignore this advice to think very seriously before making trips to these highly hazardous zones.