Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Update
Report for the period 16:00 23 October
to 07:00 24 October 1996


The level of seismic activity at the volcano has been slightly higher overnight, with a swarm of volcano-tectonic earthquakes being recorded. There were 23 earthquakes between 20:30 and 03:30. These were located at shallow depths beneath the crater. Similar swarms of VT earthquakes were recorded in the first two weeks of September. Several rockfall signals have also been recorded, along with low-amplitude tremor on the Gages seismic station.

The volcano is cloudy again this morning, and so no views of the crater have been possible.

The volcano remains in a highly dangerous condition. The October 1 dome continues to grow at a high rate, and further pyroclastic flows are likely. All residents of Montserrat are urged to exercise caution while visiting the evacuated zone and to become familiar with the new alert system and evacuation procedures. The Tar River and Long Ground areas are extremely dangerous, and people entering these areas face a high risk of death.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory