Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Daily Report
Report for the period 16:00 18 April
to 16:00 19 April 1997
The current alert level is ORANGE


The level of volcanic activity has remained low. There have been a few small pyroclastic flows to the south and one to the east, and only a few earthquakes.

The broadband seismic network has detected 11 long-period earthquakes, a decrease in numbers since yesterday. The number of other earthquakes was low, with 5 hybrid and one volcano-tectonic earthquakes. The number of rockfall signals was slightly lower than yesterday, with a total of 21 recorded.

The visibility has been good at times today, but no significant changes to the dome were seen. One pyroclastic flow this afternoon originated at the north-east side of the dome and was seen from the airport.

The alert level remains at ORANGE, because of the unstable dome above the Galway's Wall. Further collapses of the south side of the dome are expected and an escalation of the activity to more serious levels is always possible. Pyroclastic flows could occur without warning in both the Tar River and White River valleys, which makes these areas extremely dangerous.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory