Government Information Service
Volcanic Activity and Goverment Response
As Of Tuesday, March 26, 1996
- Government Information Service
- Chief Minister's Office Fax:
- P.O.Box 292
- Plymouth, Montserrat
- West Indies
- Tel: (809) 491-2702/2711 Fax: -7229 Voice: -7227
Status of the Soufriere Hills Volcano & Contingencies
As activity continues at the Soufriere Hills Volcano, the Government of
Montserrat and scientists at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory continue
to maintain well focussed attention on the situation.
The status of activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano is as follows:
- slow and non-explosive dome growth continues in the area occupying the
western three-quarters (3/4) of the crater area;
- growth is patchy and variable with degassing taking place freely from
various locations;
- dome growth is still confined within the crater area and is enclosed
by the crater wall except for the Tar River side on the east where it is
partially blocked by the old Castle Peak dome;
- as the dome grows, spines often collapse and fill-in the trench-like
area (moat) between the base of the dome and the crater wall;
- at current growth rates it may take several months before any major
spills of dome material from the crater occurs. A very small quantity has
fallen off into the upper region of the Tar River Soufriere area;
- if the current growth rate is maintained the material that is
eventually spilled outside the crater will not be a hazard to populated
centres in the short to medium term;
- the volcano continues to vent freely. The substance that is being
discharged consists of a mixture of mainly sulphurous gases, steam and ash;
- preliminary results indicate the concentration of volcanic gases are
still below levels that could be harmful to human health. Gases may
however cause some discomfort especially for persons with respiratory
ailments;
- gas concentrations could increase as the eruption continues;
- at the current rate at which material is reaching the surface it could
take months and possibly years for the current eruption at the Soufriere
Hills Volcano to run its course.
The Focus Is On Local Contingencies
Scientists of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory remain confident that
adequate warning can be given if the volcano was to change its current
pattern of activity. As a consequence, the Government of Montserrat
continues to update contingency place for quick response to any
threatening activity from the volcano. Our contingency plans enjoy the
full support of the British Government and are focused on the possible
need for relocation to the designated safe area in north Montserrat.
Off-Island Evacuation
The British Government has long adopted the forecast of Wadge and Isaacs
supported by MVO that north Montserrat will remain safe in a worst case
scenario from the Soufriere Hills Volcano. However, the U.K. Government
is maintaining a contingency for an off-island evacuation exercise as an
additional precaution.
Premature Relocation
A premature relocation to the north would only promote undesirable
consequences such as a loss of confidence; economic and social hardship;
and will only serve in unnecessarily keeping residents away from their
homes. Scientific evidence supports the view that populated areas of
Montserrat will remain safe over the short and medium term. Twenty-four
hours per day monitoring of the volcano will be maintained.
Emergency Management Update
- Health
- Contingencies include plans for staff training, simulation exercises and
the establishment of casualty field stations along with an auxiliary
hospital in the north. The activities are being supported by the Pan
American Health Organisation, (PAHO) and health authorities in the French
Department of Guadeloupe. A return visit of Guadeloupe officials is
expected to assist with plans in the unlikely event of volcano related
casualties.
- Public Works
- Site preparation for the establishment of emergency accommodation in the
north continues. An auxiliary power plant has already been established.
Public Works continues to be vigilant in the maintenance of government
vehicles, stand-by generators, etc...
- Education
- The Salem Secondary and Primary schools are being maintained as the main
holding areas for children during any possible relocation exercise.
Transportation for children is adequate.
- Administration
- Departmental contingencies include planning and securing accommodation for
the entire Civil Service in north Montserrat when and if that becomes
necessary.
- Police
- The police in collaboration with Radio Montserrat are preparing for a full
scale siren test. There are two possible siren signals:
- To indicate tuning to ZJB for details (short blast)
- For an immediate relocation (continuous siren)
- Agriculture
- Plans are in place to offer assistance for moving
livestock during a phased exercise. This is contingent on the owner
making private arrangements to secure land in the north since the
government does not posses any land in that area.
- Finance
- The British Government has set aside funds to support any possible
relocation to the north. The monies are under the control of the Ministry
of Finance. The operations of the MVO and geriatric units are included in
sums to be disbursed to the end of 1996.
- EOC
- Storage of diesel for emergency transport and generators have been
upgraded. A further upgrade is planned pending approval of additional
funds.
Government Information Service