There was a slight increase in activity at the volcano during the last 24 hours. During this period 13 rockfall signals and 6 volcano-tectonic earthquakes have been recorded. There were three events which generated ash plumes, the largest of which occurred at 5.45pm local time, on Saturday. This event produced a plume of ash which ascended to approximately 20,000 feet and it resulted in ash fall on Plymouth and as far north as Foxes Bay. There was no ash fall in the occupied areas. At 6.20pm local time, on Saturday, there was a small rockfall which was immediately followed by the emission of a steam plume which ascended to approximately 10000 feet.
The third event occurred at 4.00pm local time, today, Sunday and it generated a dense black ash cloud over the Gages area. This ash cloud was observed to rise to approximately 10000 feet as it drifted westwards in the prevailing winds. At 6.00pm local time, there were reports from aircraft which encountered this ash cloud at altitude of 8000 feet thirty miles west of Montserrat.
Residents of Montserrat are advised to keep listening to ZJB Radio Montserrat for information in case of any changes in the state of the volcano.
Residents are reminded that, as per prior announcement, this is the last of the daily reports. From here onwards the report will be provided on a weekly basis, every Friday, unless there are changed circumstances which warrant a return to the daily format.