THE VOLCANIC EXPLANATION:
In the last 24 hours there have been three explosive eruptions from the Soufriere Hills Volcano. The resulting pyroclastic flows went in all directions from the dome.
The ash clouds produced went as high as 15,000 feet and the ash mixing with the rain fell in the northern area of the island.
Seismicity has been low with the exception of tremor recorded after each explosion during periods of ash and steam venting which occurs after the explosions.
Further explosions and pyroclastic flows are expected and these can impact all areas in the exclusion zone so everyone is being urged to keep clear of these areas.
CARICOM VILLAGE A STAGE CLOSER:
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in an effort to help the housing shortage in Montserrat and to honour its committments to build a CARICOM village has ordered prefabricated units in Cuba at preferential rates.
The infrastructure for the CARICOM village will be put in by the British Government through the Aid Management Office.
Chief Minister David S. Brandt has asked the Prime Minister of Jamaica R.H. Percival Patterson for assistance in carrying out the project. Mr Patterson has agreed to send to Montserrat a contingent of the Jamaica Defence Force to help construct the houses.
RADIO ANTILLES SITE GONE:
The site of the former Radio Antilles at O'Garro's was totally obliterated by pyroclastic flows over the past weekend. The buildings which stood on the site have been totally buried by millions of tons of debris. All the technical equipment at the site had been taken out months ago and stored on a safe site in the north of the island.
ALL CLASSES BACK AT MSS:
All the classes at the Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) have now started. Forms 1 to 5 (there is no 6th form this year) are at school occupying three sites. Forms 1 and 2 are at Look-Out, form 3 in a T1-11 building at Brades, and forms 4 and 5 at the Brades Pentechostal Church.
It is reported that there are 200 + students and a staff of 24 for the 1997 / 98 academic year. Practical classes for 4th and 5th forms only are carried out at the Salem campus of MSS.
GOVERNMENT HAS ANNOUNCED TWO HOUSING FUNDS:
A release from the Government Information Services (GIS) states that the Government of Montserrat has now got two systems of finance for housing schemes in the north of the island. Assisted by the British Government, they can offer:
(1) A EC$30,000 self help scheme for low income families. This provides materials and the recipient provides labour.
(2) Low interest loans of up to EC$150,000 for persons who have lost homes in the exclusion zone or who have homes in the central zone to rebuild in the northern zone. This system will be administered through the bank of Montserrat.
More information tomorrow.................................
Government Information Service