The level of seismic activity at the volcano increased overnight. A swarm of VT earthquakes started at about 15:30 yesterday. Activity was very low at first, with only two or three events per hour. This gradually increased during the night to about eight events per hour at 06:00 this morning. The events are located at shallow depths beneath the crater, similar to almost all of the VT swarm earthquakes recorded recently. Four small LP earthquakes were also recorded. Tremor on the Gages station, which has been associated with steam venting, has been recorded since about 01:30. No other seismic signals have been recorded during the night.
The volcano is clear this morning and there is a moderate amount of steam being generated.
The recurrence of VT swarms shows that the current phase of activity continues. The MVO scientists are concerned about the possibility of a rapid escalation of volcanic activity during the next few days. The volcano is in a very dangerous state and all residents should follow the recommendations laid out in the alert procedures and listen to Radio Montserrat.