Montserrat Today
For Monday/Tuesday February 16/17, 1998
Presented by the Information Unit of the
Government of Montserrat's Emergency Department
Over the last few days, rockfalls have been the predominant signals from the Soufriere Hills Volcano. There have been approx 100 rockfalls per days over the weekend period.
In addition there have been hybrid, long period and volcano- tectonic earthquakes recorded and there was a small regional event recorded early this morning (Monday).
There have been periods of vigorous ash and steam venting over the weekend and several clear views of the dome were possible over the past few days. Several dark ash clouds drifted westwards over the weekend leading to light ash falls in the Salem, Olveston and Woodlands areas.
FOREIGN SECRETARY'S VISIT:
Britain's Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook MP, paid a successful visit to Montserrat on Saturday. He met with the Governor, Chief Minister, and Ministers of Government and visited shelters, schools, the hospital and new housing at Lookout.
During the visit, Mr Cook announced that Britain would spend $48,000 to move the library to the north of the island. The money will be used for providing porta-cabins and site works for a new library site at Brades.
In addition, Mr Cook announced that the computer laboratory at the MSS Lookout site will be upgraded with the aquisition of 10 new computers and software. Toatal costs with freight are expected to be in the region of £25,000.
CBU DONATES FUNDS:
The Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) last week donated B'dos $25,000 to the Government of Montserrat to be used for broadcast facility upgrades in the ongoing volcanic crisis.
The money came from the proceeds of the 1997 Caribbean Song Competition which was held in Barbados. The donation was made by CBU's President Mr Vic Fernandes and was received on behalf of the Government of Montserrat by Miss Rose Willock the Manager of ZJB Radio.
PUBLIC MEETINGS PLANNED:
A series of public meetings are being planned by the Emergency Dept for the residents and business operators in the Central Zone to discuss the recently issued "Advice to Residents of Montserrat" brochure.
The brochure issued to everyone in Montserrat states that people are strongly recommended to leave the north Olveston / Woodlands area and that anyone deciding to remain should be fully aware of the greater risk from volcanic activity than those living north of Lawyer's River.
The first meeting, carded for Friday Feb. 20th at the St Augustine School at 5 pm will explain to residents the scientific and medical reasons for this advice. A similar meeting will be held the following week for operators of businesses in the zone.
More information later in the week..........................