Activity at the volcano has remained at a high level with continuing hybrid swarms merging into continuous tremor and pyroclastic flows. A hybrid swarm began at around 4.42 pm yesterday afternoon continued until around 1:00 am last night. This was followed by a period when large number of rockfall and pyroclastic flow signals with a particularly prominent pyroclastic flow signal at 4.55 am. The rockfall activity declined markedly following this event and activity has been at a low level since then. The volcano summit is obscured by cloud at present.
The recent hybrid earthquake swarms are thought to precede periods of more active dome growth in which rockfall activity is sometimes elevated. During the day or clear nights the hybrid swarms culminate in vigorous gas plumes and occasionally minor explosions or ash emissions. The hybrid swarms are quite regular being spaced between 8 and 12 hours apart.
Further explosions may take place with little or no warning. These may be more intense and longer lasting than those already experienced. If explosions do occur, people should seek shelter under as strong a roof as possible and have a helmet or head protection available. After an explosion small rocks and ash can be expected to fall everywhere on the island. Ash and falling rocks make driving hazardous. Ash is present in the atmosphere and masks should be worn outdoors.
Pyroclastic flows are expected on all flanks of the volcano, and so at no time is it safe to enter the exclusion zone, including the Belham river valley. Access to the exclusion zone is completely restricted. The areas south of the Nantes River were evacuated over night. Everyone should remain vigilant and continue to listen to Radio Montserrat for any announcements and further advice.