The level of activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano has been fairly low over the past 24 hours but there was a slight increase overnight. At about 6 pm yesterday (Monday) there was a recurrence of the volcanic - tectonic earthquakes (VT's) which lasted until 4.30 am this morning (Tuesday).
These VT's usually indicate that magma is trying to reach the surface from shallow depths below the surface of the crater.
There were a few rockfalls recorded over the reporting period but overall the activity was pretty low, one of these events was a large block of material falling from the top of the eastern face of the dome resulting in a small pyroclastic flow.
The volcano remains active and potentially dangerous. The lava dome is now the largest it has ever been and its eastern face is very steep. Pyroclastic flows are expected from this face leading into the Tar River Valley.
Residents are allowed short term daytime access to the unsafe zone (with the exception of zone A which is the closest to the volcano and hence the most dangerous). However everyone has been asked to have a rapid means of exit, stay tuned to ZJB Radio for updates, and to wear their dust masks as ash levels are high.
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