THE VOLCANIC EXPLANATION:
The explosive phase of the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano continues, yesterday (Monday) there were two explosions but none overnight. Yesterdays explosions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon set up pyroclastic flows which reached the sea in the Tar River Valley. Other flows went down the Gages Valley to Lovers lane, down Tuitts Ghaut to Bethel and there were also some to the south.
Ash from yesterdays events reached heights of up to 18,000 feet and drifted to the northwest away from Montserrat. After each event there was a period of ash and steam venting.
Recent heavy rain has caused a number of mudflows from the areas around the volcano, one such flow formed a fan of about 100 metres wide at the golf course close to the beach.
A few hybrid and long period earthquakes have been recorded. The explosive eruptions are expected to continue with little or no warning.
CARIBBEAN SONG COMPETITION:
The Caribbean Song Competition to be held this weekend in Barbados will have a Montserrat flavour. Guest artist on the show will be "Arrow" and the proceeds will go to the Montserrat Volcano Relief Fund.
The show will be televised to 36 countries (including Montserrat) so it is expected that the volcanic situation will become better known throughout the Caribbean.
RAINS CONTINUE:
Recent rains in Montserrat are continuing and much of the ash that has been around for some months is now washing away. Much of the northern part of the island is green again and farmers are taking advantage of the situation by planting. One of the disadvantages of the rain is that there has been some mud flows including a major one down the Belham Valley.
HEAD SCIENTIST CHANGES:
Dr Simon Young, the Head Scientist at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory for the past several months returns to Britain today at the end of his current tour of duty. He is replaced by Dr Keith Rowley of Trinidad of the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Unit. Dr Sue Loughlin is the Deputy Chief Scientist.
NEW RISK MAP IN CIRCULATION:
The new multi coloured risk map for Montserrat is in general circulation on the island. Overseas residents can E mail their postal address to the EOC and we will post you a copy.
More information tomorrow................................
Government Information Service