Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Report
Report for the period 16:00 15 December
to 07:00 16 December 1996
The current alert level is ORANGE


The new dome continues to grow and there is a slight increase in seismic activity associated with its growth. Six rockfalls from the dome and five long-period earthquakes were recorded by the seismic network during the night. No volcano-tectonic earthquakes or avalanches from Galway's Wall were detected.

The dangers from the volcano are still extremely high. Galway's Wall is very unstable and could collapse at any time without notice. The consequences could be disastrous for much of the evacuated zones. Pyroclastic flows will become more likely as the new dome grows.

The revised risk map is still in operation. Nobody should be in zone A/B for any reason. Visits to zone C/D must be kept to a minimum. Zone E remains safe at this time.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory