Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Report
Report for the period 16:00 21 February
to 07:00 22 February 1997
The current alert level is AMBER


Seismic activity at the volcano has continued at about the same level overnight. There was another swarm of earthquakes which started just before 1 am this morning, and has continued until the end of the reporting period. This swarm is similar to the previous one, although volcano-tectonic earthquakes dominated activity during the first 2 hours of the swarm. A few small rockfall events were also recorded during the period.

There were no reports of ash fall overnight. The visibility of the crater area is poor this morning with low cloud cover obscuring most of the volcano.

The current level of activity is likely to continue, with the volcano remaining active and potentially dangerous. The lava dome is currently larger than it ever has been before, with a steep eastern face, so further pyroclastic flows are likely. People entering zone C must remain alert, listen to Radio Montserrat and be ready to leave at short notice. Only essential visits should be made. The ash levels in Plymouth are hazardous, and it is very important to wear an ash mask when there is ash in the air.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory