The activity at the volcano has been at a slightly higher level to yesterday. Rockfalls remain the dominant seismic signals although there has been an increase in the number of volcano tectonic events recorded. Between 16:00 yesterday and 16:00 today there were 26 hybrid earthquakes, 17 long period earthquakes, 17 volcano-tectonic earthquakes and 106 distinct rockfall signals.
Visual observations of the dome were very good today from St. Georges Hill and from the air. There has been a considerable increase in the size of the new growth seen recently and it appears to have almost completely filled the scar created from the Boxing Day event. There was constant and sometime very vigorous steam venting taking place mainly on the centre of the dome and there was some rockfall activity on the Galways side of the dome which correlated to seismic signals recorded on the network. A few small rockfall events were seen travelling down Tuitts Ghaut as well.
Dust levels at all monitoring sites remained low today except for one site in Woodlands where it was raised. Although conditions with respect to ash improved during the day due to heavy rainfall which fell in the late yesterday, the remaining ash has dried up and is still very mobile. Residents should therefore continue to wear dust masks when they are cleaning or are in ashy areas.
People should remain alert and listen to Radio Montserrat for further information.