Over the last 24 hours the level of volcanic seismicity has been slightly elevated. There have been two periods of ash venting from the summit of the volcano which produced weak ash plumes to about 10,000 feet and which drifted westwards over Plymouth. These ash venting periods occurred at about 3.30 a.m. and after 10 a.m., and lasted for about 30 minutes each time.
Over the reporting period there have been 34 rockfall signals and 20 volcano-tectonic earthquakes.
Observations from the helicopter confirmed the large scar in the south-east sector of the dome. In the base of the scar, there is abundant steaming from a fracture running approximately north to south. Some dark material was seen in the back of the scar, but it is unclear whether this is new lava.
Average dust levels for today were low in at all sites. These levels were measured after rain showers; after the ash had dried out, there was abundant dust in the atmosphere.
Residents should continue listening to Radio Montserrat in case there are more sudden developments in the state of the volcano.