The level of activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano has remained relatively high over the last 24 hours although there hasn't been any large explosions or major ash clouds. Several signals interpreted as representing rockfalls and small explosions were recorded and some of these resulted in small ash clouds.
The seismic records continue to be dominated by frequent, small hybrid earthquakes, which occur at shallow depths within the volcano. The rate of occurrence of these earthquakes has varied from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 5 per minute. However, their amplitudes have generally been smaller than during the previous 24 hours.
Views of the crater and summit regions of the volcano from Bramble Airport and the Observatory revealed vigorous steam and gas emissions from most of the dome. The remnant of the large spine is also still present.
The scientists at the MVO remain gravely concerned about the current level of activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano and therefore urge people still leaving 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 remain extremely dangerous, and should not be entered under any circumstances.