Volcanic activity has continued at a similar level. There were 22 rockfall signals and 18 volcano-tectonic earthquakes over the last 24 hours.
At 04:18 am this morning another small collapse of the dome occurred. This produced an ash plume which first drifted quickly to the east then towards the north and north-east depositing ash in occupied areas to the north of the island.
An observation flight this afternoon revealed that pyroclastic flows were produced in the White River and Gages valley. The flow in the White River reached as far as the old location of the Galways Soufriere while the Gages valley flow did not extend beyond the top of this valley. The White River deposit had numerous large angular blocks resting on surface of the flow.
A large fissure was observed within the dome near to its contact with Chances Peak in the south-west. This crack extends up from the base of the dome where it rests against Chances Peak to the top of the dome in the Galways area. At the foot of this crack a triangular shaped opening has developed and appears to have been the source of the White River pyroclastic deposit.
Collapse of material in the Gages valley has produced a deep gully in the dome which extends to the back of the dome behind the Galways area. The conditions in this area suggest that further, possibly larger collapses could occur from this area of the dome.
Recent collapses are believed to be due to continued instability of the dome. Given the state of the dome as observed today, these collapses are expected to continue for some time into the future.
Residents of Montserrat are advised to keep listening to ZJB Radio Montserrat for information relating to any further developments in the state of the volcano.