Activity at the volcano continues at a slightly reduced level of activity. The well-defined cyclic pattern of hybrid swarms has broken down into a more irregular pattern. The swarms are occurring less often and with less intensity. Over the last 24 hours one swarm with 72 hybrids has been recorded starting at 7.33 am and finishing at 11.47 am. 77 hybrid earthquakes, 5 long period earthquakes and 53 rockfalls triggered the broadband seismic network over the last 24 hours. The intermittent rock fall activity generates minor ash plumes above the volcano. There have no major ash emissions today.
The volcano has remained in cloud all day. A reconnaissance flight showed that new small pyroclastic flows have reached as far as the Gages Soufriere down the Gages valley.
Further explosions are possible and these may be more intense and longer lived than those already experienced. If explosions do occur, the central zone should be evacuated immediately, and people in the northern zone should seek shelter under a strong roof as soon as possible. After an explosive event, small rocks and ash can be expected to fall anywhere on the island. Ash and falling rocks can make driving hazardous. Ash is present in the atmosphere and dust masks should be worn outdoors. The enhanced pyroclastic flow activity indicates increasingly instability of the dome and further pyroclastic flow activity is anticipated.
All ghauts on the volcano are now filled with hot pyroclastic flow deposits. It is expected that as the current elevated level of activity continues, further pyroclastic flows could occur on all flanks of the volcano. This makes all of the exclusion zone extremely dangerous. Pyroclastic flows could reach into the Belham river valley. Access to the exclusion zone is completely restricted, and people should stay away from the flanks of the volcano. People should remain vigilant and continue to listen to Radio Montserrat for any announcements.