The level of activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano in Montserrat increased over the last 24 hours with further pyroclastic flows into the Tuitt's Ghaut reaching further than ever before (about 2.5 kilometres).
This activity on the north / northeast face of the dome has led to several more communities being at risk and at 6 pm last evening (Tuesday) the villages of Whites,Tuitts, Bramble Village, Bethel, Farms, Pea Ghaut, Harris, Farrells, Rileys and Streathams were added to the "no go" areas of Zone A and B on the volcanic risk map. Road blocks are being re-positioned this morning (Wednesday) to prevent further access to these areas.
The pyroclastic flows into Tuitt's Ghaut came in two distinct phases, one yesterday morning and another in the early hours of this morning. The flows burned vegetation in the upper reaches of the ghaut.
For most of the recording period the earthquake activity has been low with just 6 hybrid and 5 long period events recorded.
Some EDM and COSPEC measurements were made yesterday. The EDM was carried out on the northern triangle (St Georges Hill, Farrells and Windy Hill) and results show little or no change in these distances. The COSPEC runs showed 477 tonnes per day of sulphur dioxide gas in the atmosphere, this is a decrease.
The alert level remains at ORANGE and a new risk map will be available to the public from tomorrow.
Government Information Service