Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

Montserrat’s volcano blows but stays at level 4

Tuesday, July 4, 2006

by: Karen ‘Lioness’ Allen
Caribbean Net News Montserrat Correspondent
Email: karen@caribbeannetnews.com

BRADES, Montserrat: On Friday, June 30, 2006, Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) scientists reported that there had been a dome collapse with an associated ash plume of over 12,000 feet. However, the volcano alert level remained at four, indicating that there exists still a possibility of serious eruptive activity that could affect inhabited areas.

Friday’s dome collapse episode started around 1:00pm sending pyroclastic flows down the Tar River Valley to the sea on the Eastern side of the island accompanied by ash clouds to just over 12,000 feet in the air.

A press statement, released by the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA), stated that, “the ash plume was blown north-west by prevailing winds with most of the ash falling into the sea. However, some ash fell in the Salem and Woodlands area.”

Dr Sue Loughlin, MVO’s Director said the activity followed a continuation of earthquake swarms first seen last weekend. At the beginning of the following week, the volcano alert level was decreased momentarily to level three, when the earthquake swarm, which triggered the increase in the alert level, died off. It returned Thursday afternoon and the authorities increased the alert level from level three back to level four.

After Friday’s dome collapse, the Emergency Policy Group (EPG) released another press statement reporting that, “the volcano remains unsettled with continuing long period earthquakes. The alert level remains at level four.” Accordingly it further stated, “Venting of steam and ash continues with some pyroclastic flows down Tar River Valley.”

This press statement confirmed that the dome collapse on June 30th was a partial dome collapse and much of the lava dome remains intact. “This was confirmed early Saturday morning following brief glimpses from the Perches fixed camera.”

Friday’s event was of short duration. The EPG reports that pyroclastic flows continue to occur. Further emphasizing that explosive activity still cannot be ruled out based on past patterns.

The EPG’s Press Statement said their decision to close St. George’s Hill is still in effect. “This means that there should be no entry to this area at all until further notice. Anyone entering points south of the Belham River Valley, other than Isles Bay Hill, should, for their own safety and as a precaution, register at the Salem Police Station before crossing the Belham River Valley.”

Residents on Isles Bay Hill are reminded that they should not attempt to cross the Belham Valley during heavy rainfall or increased volcanic activity.

For those residents of Salem, there is no change in risk levels. The level of risk associated with this area is currently categorized as low on the Chief Medical Officer’s Scale.

As is usually the case, depending on the visibility of the volcano, a further assessment o the situation will be conducted by the MVO using a helicopter. Residents of Montserrat continue to pay keen attention to the Soufriére Hills volcano to find out what will come of this ongoing increased level of volcanic activity.

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