The level of activity during the night has been at about the same level as late yesterday afternoon (08 April) but not at the very elevated level of the mid-afternoon period (08 April). Seismicity continues to be dominated by hybrid earthquakes occurring at a rate of about one per minute although very few of these occurred during the period 01:00 to 03:00. Explosion-like signals were recorded by all the stations of the seismic network at 16:27 and 23:20 on 08 April and 05:25 on 09 April. The 16:27 event on 08 April and the 05:25 event on 09 April generated ash which was seen drifting towards the west and falling in Plymouth and environs. Several rockfall signals were also recorded.
Low cloud continues to restrict visibility at this time. However, Bramble Airport control tower reported near continuous ash emission since 06:41 this morning.
The scientists at the MVO remain gravely concerned about the current level of activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano and therefore urge people still living in the evacuated zone to leave immediately. 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.