Volcanic activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano has continued at a relatively high level overnight, dominated by rock falls signals and repetitive events. Several moderate-sized rockfall signals similar to those usually associated with small pyroclastic flows into the upper Tar River valley has occurred during the night. One of these which occurred at about 06:05 on 01 June produced a small pyroclastic flow down to the Tar River Soufriere and an ash plume which reached 4000 ft. The small, repetitive events which first appeared on 30 May has continued and are now occurring at a rate of about 1 per minute. A single regional event, located at about 120 km east of Montserrat and with magnitude 3.6 was recorded by the seismograph network at 20:25 last night.
The volcano was covered by low cloud cover early this morning with vigorous steam emission helping to obscure clear views of the summit. However, conditions were sufficiently clear to allow observation from the Observatory and Bramble Airport, of the small pyroclastic flow and associated ash plume which occurred at about 06:05.
The MVO still views the situation at the Soufriere Hills Volcano with grave concern and the scientists continue 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.