The level of activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano has increased over the last 24 hours.
The seismic activity has returned to the swarm pattern of several weeks ago. There have been well over 100 volcano-tectonic earthquakes and a similar number of hybrid events in the reporting period. As this is written there is an ongoing swarm which started at about 3 am today (Tuesday).
In addition there have been some rockfall signals and some low level tremor recorded from the Gages station. Most of the rockfall activity was from the eastern face of the dome which also produced ash.
Yesterday there was some visibility of the dome possible but this morning there is none what-so-ever due to overnight rain. Scientists are warning that the volcano dome's eastern slope is becoming increasing unstable and the dome itself is now larger than it has ever been before.
People who enter the danger zones are urged to do so only in daylight hours and then only for a few hours. They are to have a rapid means of exit and should stay tuned to ZJB for regular updates. Ash masks should be worn when entering ashy areas.
Government Information Service