Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Update
0700H 04 July, 1996


The overnight activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano remained generally low but was at a marginally higher level than the preceding 24 hour period. The range and nature of the seismic signals recorded continue to suggest that the lava dome inside English' s Crater is still growing.

During the update period several small rockfall signals were received but the more prominent feature on the seismic records were a few isolated moderate sized hybrid event signals. The two largest signals were just over a minute in duration. These signals saturated the Long Ground record for a short time but it was very unlikely that any significant ash production was associated with these events. A few small long period events and a near regional earthquake were also recorded. Low amplitude Broadband tremor occurred from about 12:00 midnight to 07:00 am this morning.

Visibility was poor yesterday evening and this morning, with the volcano obscured by clouds.

The threats posed by the Soufriere Hills Volcano continue at the same severity as over the past several months. The Tar River, Long Ground and Whites areas to the east and the upper Fort Ghaut, Gages Village and Upper Amersham areas to the west are still extremely hazardous. People should not enter these areas under any circumstances because they put themselves and others at direct risk of very serious injury or death. People are urged to keep visits to the evacuated zone to an absolute minimum.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory