There was a moderate sized pyroclastic flow at lunch time today. This flow went mainly down the Tar River Valley but small amounts of material were also observed coming down Tuitt's Ghuat and Tyres Ghuat. There were no earthquakes before the pyroclastic flow and it is assumed to have happened solely because the dome was unstable, rather than because of any new activity within the volcano. Overall the flow lasted approximately 40 minutes and reached as far as the Tar River Estate House. Ash from the event blew westward over Plymouth.
The seismic network recorded 3 volcano-tectonic earthquakes today and 10 rockfall signals - most of which immediately followed the pyroclastic flow.
Today's events demonstrate how dangerous the flanks of the volcano still are, with quite large collapses possible with no warning at all. Residents should continue listening to Radio Montserrat in case there are sudden changes in the state of the volcano.