Seismic activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano during the night has remained at the elevated level seen during the day time. It is still dominated by the occurrence of small, repetitive hybrid earthquakes at a rate of about one per minute. Several rockfall and/or small explosion signals were recorded overnight, with the largest occurring at 19:27 on 18 April 1996. Intermittent low to moderate amplitude broadband tremor was recorded at the Gages seismic station throughout the whole period.
Moderate viewing conditions early in the morning from the Observatory reveal that the new inclined spine is still in position. Vigorous steam emission from several areas of the dome continues, generating a plume which drifts towards the northwest.
The current level of activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano is still very high and scientists at the MVO remain gravely concerned about the situation. The MVO continues to urge that visits to the evacuated zone be kept to a minimum. The Tar River, Long Ground and Whites areas are extremely dangerous, and should not be entered under any circumstances.