The level of activity at the volcano has increased slightly since yesterday. There have been several moderate long-period rockfalls and volcano-tectonic earthquakes. No views of the crater area have been possible.
The seismicity has been varied during the last 24 hours, with three long-period earthquakes, thirteen rockfall signals and six volcano-tectonic earthquakes. There has been an increase in the number of rockfalls, and they are slightly larger than yesterday. Two of the long-period earthquakes were followed by rockfall signals. These events are thought to be small explosions from the dome. The six volcano-tectonic earthquakes were all located at depths of 1 to 4 km beneath the crater.
Visibility has been poor today, and no views of the October 1 dome were possible.
Sulphur dioxide measurements were made to day using the COSPEC instrument. The measurements are still being processed, but the preliminary results show a sulphur dioxide reading of about 1000 tonnes per day. This is higher than recent readings, but is below levels of concern.
The volcano remains in an active and highly dangerous state. Further activity, possibly leading to an explosive eruption, could occur with little warning. Everyone who enters the evacuated zone must remain alert and be ready to move at short notice. Individuals who go beyond the Long Ground area into the Tar River valley are risking death.