Montserrat Volcano Observatory


Morning Report
Report for the period 16:00 25 December
to 07:00 26 December 1996
Boxing Day
The current alert level is ORANGE


Seismic activity beneath the Soufriere Hills volcano stayed at a high level overnight, with peaks in continuous seismic tremor approximately every eight hours. This type of variation has been seen before, prior to dome collapse and pyroclastic flow generation between late July and mid-September.

The dome is covered in cloud this morning and no observations have been possible. It is thought that the rate of dome growth is high and this could generate rockfalls and pyroclastic flows on the eastern flank of the volcano. Any ash will be carried to the west or northwest by the wind.

Large dome collapses have led to explosive eruptions in the past, and Montserratians are asked to listen to Radio Montserrat and stay alert.


Montserrat Volcano Observatory