The level of activity overnight has been slightly higher than yesterday but still remains at an overall low level. A hybrid and volcano-tectonic earthquake swarm started at 7.34 pm last night and continued until about 4.00 am this morning. Some of the larger earthquakes were followed by rockfall signals which may represent further pyroclastic flows from Galway's Wall, but no ash clouds could be seen. The seismic records have since been dominated by small to moderate sized rockfall signals. Tremor on the Gages seismometer has been intermittent throughout the night but has been more persistent since 3.00 am.
Cloud is currently obscuring the top of the volcano, but some views of the dome from the airport suggest that there has been little change since yesterday. There is also less vigorous steaming from the north face of the dome, and one small rockfall has been observed from the south side of the dome.
Despite the apparent low level of activity, the volcano remains dangerous. The lava dome continues to grow at the summit area, and is now almost as high as the previous maximum height achieved in July 1996. There are several areas on the dome which are becoming more unstable, and pyroclastic flows are possible with little warning. Explosive activity similar to the September 17 event, and maybe slightly larger, is possible. 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.