Activity at the volcano has increased overnight, with the occurrence of another swarm of volcano-tectonic earthquakes. The swarm started at 00:27 this morning, and is still continuing. So far about 30 earthquakes have been recorded, with locations at shallow depths beneath the crater. The earthquakes are slightly larger than those recorded in previous swarms.
Two small long-period earthquakes were recorded yesterday evening. Such earthquakes have become more common over the last two days. The cause of long-period earthquakes is not well understood, but they are probably due to the movement of magma within the volcano.
Conditions at the volcano this morning have been very overcast and so no views of the summit have been possible.
The volcano remains in a highly dangerous condition. Pyroclastic flows and possibly another explosive eruption could start with little warning. All residents of Montserrat are urged to exercise caution while visiting the evacuated zone. The Tar River and Long Ground areas are extremely dangerous, and people entering these areas face a high risk of death.