The level of activity has been lower during the night than it was yesterday evening (06 April). Between 14:42 and nightfall, a series of explosions occurred with continuous ash emission. The eruptions had a large vertical component and so caused only small pyroclastic flows in the Tar River valley. Overnight, further activity occurred at 19:25, 00:41, 04:20 and 06:59. The 06:59 event was a moderately-sized explosion, which was heard at the airport control tower, and caused an ash column. The ash drifted over the St. George's Hill, Cork Hill and Fox's Bay areas.
Small hybrid earthquakes continue to occur at a rate of about one per minute, and are recorded by the closest seismic stations. Several rockfall signals have also been recorded overnight.
Low cloud continues to restrict visibility at this time. The airport control tower reports that the large spine, measured yesterday at a height of 2975 ft, is still present. The scientists at the MVO remain gravely concerned about the current level of activity, because it may be leading towards a climactic eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano which would affect most of the areas of the evacuated zone. The scientists therefore urge people still living in the evacuated zone to leave immediately, and that visits to the evacuated zone should be restricted to those that are absolutely essential. The Tar River, Long Ground and Whites areas are now extremely dangerous, and should not be entered under any circumstances.