The level of activity at the volcano has been high overnight, with further moderate pyroclastic flows over the Galway's Wall. A scoop has formed at the top of the wall, digging into the dome.
The pyroclastic flow activity began at about 3:00 am, and lasted until 5:25 am. There were three periods of strong seismic signals, at 3:35 am, 4:18 am and 5:00 am, which were associated with pyroclastic flows in the White river valley. The largest flows have travelled about the same distance as yesterday (3.2 km) down the White River. There has been much more material deposited in the upper reaches of the valley, around the Soufriere area. The flows have ignited many trees at the edge of the valley.
A cleft has been cut into the top of the Galway's Wall, to about 30 metres depth. A rounded scoop has been eroded into the pre-September dome and the new dome that has grown on the southern side adjacent to the Galway's wall in the last two weeks.
The ash cloud which resulted from these pyroclastic flows rose to about 10,000 ft above sea level, and was carried to the west and south-west.
The level of activity has decreased since 5:30 am, but there are still occasional pyroclastic flows.
The alert level is now ORANGE. The situation has stabilised, but further activity could start at any time. Residents of Montserrat should listen to Radio Montserrat, for further announcements from HE the Governor, the Chief Minister and MVO scientists. Zone A, which includes St Patrick's and Long Ground, is very dangerous, and should not be entered under any circumstances. People who go sight-seeing in these areas are risking death.