The level of activity at the Soufriere Hill Volcano has been higher in the last 12 hours than for a number of days, with several large rockfall signals recorded and a general increase in rockfall activity. The largest rockfalls were 20:24 on 25 June and 00:58 on 26 June, but there have been over 10 other events since 19:30 on 25 June which are larger than any over the past 3 days or so. One moderate and two small long-period earthquakes occurred this morning. Low amplitude broadband tremor has been recorded continuously on the Gages seismometer since about 06:00 this morning.
Visibility was poor again this morning, with low cloud covering the flanks and summit area of the volcano.
Processing of EDM measurements from yesterday have shown a potentially significant change in the line lengths to the Farrell's target. These lines will be remeasured today to confirm that changes are not due to technical problems.
The volcano remains unstable and therefore continues to threaten people and property on both the eastern and upper western flanks. The Tar River, Long Ground and Whites areas to the east and upper Fort Ghaut, Gages Village and Upper Amersham areas to the west are still extremely hazardous. The road between Lee's Estate and Ryner's Village remains closed. People should not enter these areas under any circumstances. If they do, they put themselves and others at direct risk of very serious injury or death. Visits to the rest of the evacuated zone should be kept to an absolute minimum.