Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Report
Report for the period 16:00 16 December
to 07:00 17 December 1996
The current alert level is ORANGE


The volcanic activity has remained at the same level during the night. The December 11 dome continues to grow, and several dome rockfalls have been recorded. There have also been a few long-period earthquakes, but no volcano-tectonic earthquakes.

The dome area is very clear again this morning, and a survey of the dome using the helicopter is now under way. This survey will help to determine how fast the new dome is growing.

The dangers from the volcano are still extremely high. The deformation of Galway's Wall has slowed in recent days, but the wall remains very unstable and could collapse at any time. Such a collapse might have very serious consequences for areas in zones A/B. Pyroclastic flows to the east will become more likely as the new dome grows. The revised risk map is still in operation. Nobody should be in zone A/B. Visits to zone C/D must be kept to a minimum. Zone E remains safe at this time.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory