Over the last 24 hours the volcano has remained in a very quiet state with activity dominated by two volcano-tectonic earthquake swarms. These types of earthquake are usually caused by magma trying to reach the surface from shallow depths below the volcano's crater. Altogether there were over 50 of the VT's recorded, in addition there was some hybrid and long period earthquakes recorded.
Throughout the reporting period there has been very heavy rain and flash floods have been recorded in Fort Ghaut and in addition very ashy floods have been coming down White's Ghaut and other southern ghauts.
Because of all the heavy rain visibility has been extremely poor for the past few days and no views of the dome have been obtained. However the seismicity has scientists believing that the dome continues to grow at the previous rate in the south eastern corner. This could lead to dome collapses and pyroclastic flows over the next few days.
Yesterday (Friday) some COSPEC measurements were taken but the results are not ready as yet. Some rocks were taken from the delta at the base of the Tar River Valley and are to be analysed.
The alert level remains at ORANGE and the W.H. Bramble Airport is open as normal. All residents are being urged to keep clear of the Tar River Valley / Long Ground area as they are thought to be extremely dangerous. These areas have been relocated since April 1st 1996 but occassionaly people are spotted in these areas.
Government Information Service