The earthquake swarm that started yesterday afternoon ended at about 11 pm. The swarm contained about 80 volcano-tectonic and hybrid earthquakes. It had fewer earthquakes and was shorter than the other swarms that occurred recently, although the largest volcano-tectonic earthquakes in the swarm were of a similar size to those of previous swarms. One strong volcano-tectonic earthquake at 4:06 pm caused a pyroclastic flow over the Galway's Wall, and an ash cloud to about 5,000 ft above sea level. Another earthquake at 7:57 pm was slightly larger, but no pyroclastic flow could be seen. The earthquakes, although quite large compared with other earthquakes at the Soufriere Hills volcano, are still small with respect to tectonic earthquakes which occur in the Caribbean and around the world.
The volcano is partially clear this morning, and views of the crater should be possible this morning.
The volcano remains active and potentially dangerous, and the lava dome is currently larger than ever before and continues to grow. Pyroclastic flows are likely from several unstable areas on the eastern and south-eastern face, and from above the Galway's Wall. Explosive activity similar to the September 17 event, and possibly larger, is still a distinct possibility. Only essential visits should be made to zone C and people should remain alert, listen to Radio Montserrat and be ready to leave at short notice. Wear an ash mask if there is ash in the air.