Press	Archives	Links	Contact	January 2007

ACTIVITY INCREASES AT THE VOLCANO

Ash clouds and pyroclastic flows from the Soufriere Hills Volcano were the order of the day on Christmas Eve. The most notable seismic activity during the Christmas period was a tremor episode which started at around 11:00 am on 24 December culminating in a swarm of low frequency events (best described as long-period earthquakes), beginning at around 20:00. This swarm included 88 triggered events and was most intense between around 22:30 and 23:30. The swarm finally died away at around 00:30 on 25 December and seismicity returned to previous background levels. There was another short burst of tremor on 27 December at 15:18 which continued for about 20 minutes. Subsequently activity has continued at relatively low level for the remainder of the period, dominated by rockfalls and long-period rockfalls. During the period the seismic network recorded 396 rockfall signals, 57 long-period rockfall signals, 163 long-period earthquakes, 6 volcano-tectonic earthquakes and 3 hybrid earthquakes.

The measured sulphur dioxide (SO2) flux rate during the period was low, ranging from a maximum of 551 tones per day (t/d) on 24 December to a minimum of 85 t/d, with an average of 200 t/d. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the emissions plume from 24 December onwards has contained significant amounts of ash, therefore these values are probably only indicative of relative highs and lows within the period, not absolute values. Because of prevailing winds the ash blew out to sea. The alert level now stands at Level 4 and access to all areas south the Belham Valley [excepting Isles Bay Hill] is now suspended. The daytime entry zone, comprising the top part of St. George's Hill, is closed. Access to all areas south of Richmond Hill, and south of Jack Boy Hill to Bramble airport and beyond is prohibited at all times. The maritime exclusion zone around the southern part of the island extends 4 km off shore from Spanish Point to Roches Yard on the east side of the volcano, 2 km offshore from O'Garras to Gingoes on the south-west, and 200 m offshore from Plymouth.

Volcanno: 24 Dec 2006 UPDATE: 3 January: the Scientists at the MVO reported that the volcanic dome had grown rapidly over the last few days. They estimated that the size of the dome was about 200-million cubic metres. It has filled in and overtopped the crater rim and pyroclastic flows had been seen down the Gages Valley and Tyres Ghaut which leads into the Belham River.

This means that people living on the flanks of the Belham River Valley have now become more vulnerable to possible impact from pyroclastic flows and surges.

Areas South of the Belham River Valley including Cork Hill, Delvin’s, Weekes’, Foxes Bay, Weekes, St Georges Hill and Richmond Hill remain closed.

Farmers who have animals in these areas can not gain access to look after their livestock because of the increased risk. Mining operations in the Belham Valley has also ceased until further notice.

Based on the modeling from the last Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Report, released in September 2006, the areas shown at greatest risk are as follows:-

Isles Bay Hill
Old Towne (All areas South of Loblolly Lane)
Isles Bay Plantation
Lower Happy Hill
The Dr. Woods/Water Works junction
Water Works Estate

People living in the above-mentioned areas are urged to be vigilant at all times and be prepared to evacuate further North at short notice.

If an evacuation is ordered, shelters will be opened to accommodate persons requiring temporary housing from the eacuated areas. The designated shelter is The Pasture Piece/RMDF shelter complex.

UPDATE: 10 January: Following extensive pyroclastic flows on 8 January which entered Gages Valley, Tyers Ghaut and the Belham Valley the Unsafe Zone was extended to include areas on the flanks of the Belham Valley. Her Excellency the Governor signed the legal instrument enlarging the unsafe zone and it came into effect at 6 pm on the 8 January. Prior to this, each home in the affected area had been visited by emergency officials to explain the situation.

The flows into the Belham Valley ran down for a distance of 5 kms and passed Cork Hill. Vegetation could be seen burning in the valley below the Waterworks Estate. It was later estimated by scientists that approx 5 million cubic meteres of the dome came off in the day's events. All residents in the enlarged unsafe zone evacuated on schedule. Barriers have been erected to stop unauthorised entry to the unsafe zone but residents with property in the zone will be allowed restricted day time entry with the authorisation of the police on a pass system. Police will check with Observatory officials to see if volcanic activity permits entry before letting anyone into the zone.

Briefings for the Montserrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry and for the Resident's Association in the affected area were carried out on Tuesday 9th January and were well attended.

There has been light ash fall in the Salem and Olveston areas but the majority of the ash produced by the recent eruptions has blown out to sea or over the unpopulated areas of the island. Some ashfall was reported on neighbouring islands.

Since January 8th volcanic and seismic activity has decreased but scientists warn that the dome is still huge (about 200 million cubic metres) and extremely hot. Small pyroclastic flows can be seen coming from the surface of the dome.

Montserrat's Airport remains open and flights were not affected by the recent volcanic activity.

Pictures, courtesy of MVO, show gas and ash venting on 24 December 2006.

UNSAFE ZONE EXTENDED

The unsafe zone has been extended with effect from 8 January 2007. For further information see the recent Emergency Powers Order and the associated new risk map (nb - 3.5MB).

NEW ALERT LEVELS FOR VOLCANIC ACTIVITY

0 Background seismicity with no new surface manifestation of volcanic activity. Volcanic activity is very low.
1 Low-level local seismicity, ongoing ground deformation. May be mild phreatic activity. Volcanic activity is low. MVO closely monitoring for increased activity. Make sure you are familiar with the Risk Map and Guide to Volcanic Hazards.
2 Dome building in progress, confined within crater or small to moderate phreatic or non-magmatic explosions. Low to moderate levels of rockfall activity, pyroclastic flows and associated light ash fall. Low to moderate long-period seismicity, with insignificant or lowlevels of swarms or tremor and no sudden changes or persistent escalation. May include shortpauses in measureable dome growth. Activity has increased. The Government will be taking steps to keep the public informed on the situation, ensuring that the sirens work and that the public understands the siren system. Make sure you are familiar with the Risk Map and Guide to Volcanic Hazards RADIO ZJB IS THE SOURCE FOR REGULAR UPDATES AND ADVICE
3 Confined dome growing rapidly, or growing to the west or north; or, unconfined dome growing towards the east or south. Dome may be changing its direction of growth, or there may be high levels of gas or long-period seismicity, or moderate levels of swarms or tremor. May be moderate to high levels of rockfalls and pyroclastic flows with associated light to moderate ash fall. This level of activity could include pyroclastic flows and light to moderate ash falls. There will be increased Government public information on the situation. Government will also be reviewing their evacuation procedures and plans. Continued testing of the siren system. Read your Guide to Volcanic Hazards. YOU SHOULD BE LISTENING TO RADIO ZJB FOR REGULAR UPDATES AND ADVICE
4 Large unconfined dome actively growing towards the north or west; or, large dome with: high levels of pyroclastic flow activity in other directions and/or high rates of dome growth; or intense earthquake swarms or tremor; or with tropical storm imminent or already affecting the island. Increased activity or potential for serious activity that could affect inhabited areas. Evacuation of persons and/or restrictions on movement is very likely. Read your Guide to Volcanic Hazards YOU SHOULD BE LISTENING TO RADIO ZJB FOR REGULAR UPDATES AND ADVICE.
5 Major dome collapse is under way with large pyroclastic flows and heavy ash fall. Explosive event possible if the activity continues. Or, existence of other obvious signs or strongly accelerating activity potentially indicative of imminent explosive eruption. Highly hazardous eruption underway or imminent. Evacuation of persons and/or restrictions on movement is very likely. Read your Guide to Volcanic Hazards YOU SHOULD BE LISTENING TO RADIO ZJB FOR REGULAR UPDATES AND ADVICE.

MONTSERRATIAN RECEIVES MBE

The Government of Montserrat’s Director of Culture, Mr Herman T Francis of Salem has received the MBE in Her Majesty The Queen’s 2007 New Years Honours List.

A Buckingham Palace release on 30 December 2006 said that Mr Francis receives his award for his services to children in music.

Mr Francis has fundraised for instruments and taught children of all ages how to play a wide variety of instruments in the Small Beginnings Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Steel Orchestra of Montserrat.

In other musical spheres, Mr Francis is a long time member of the Emerald Community Singers, the Salem Methodist Church Choir and is a former Calypso King of Montserrat. Mr Francis recently completed 25 years of performing in year-end calypso competitions.

Government House has extended congratulations to Mr Francis for his well deserved award.

Picture shows Herman "Cupid" Francis directing the Montserrat Junior Steel Band at their performance at the 2006 School Arts Festival opening ceremony

POSSIBLE CLIMATE CHANGE CENTRE FOR MONTSERRAT

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) are contemplating having a climate change centre for the region and discussions are underway to site it in Montserrat. The Honourable Chief Minister of Montserrat, Dr Lowell Lewis, is putting forward a proposal for building such a facility in the Silver Hills in the north of the island.

Currently there is a climate change project ongoing for the entire Caribbean region and the OECS initiative will be part of a collaborative process within the region.

Montserrat has had discussions recently about the proposal for the setting up of a climate change centre on the island with the UK Overseas Territories Minister Lord Triesman and received initial support for the project. It is understood that OECS Heads of Government are also in support of the plans.

The Centre in Montserrat will provide education and outreach on climate change and energy issues. It is expected that such a centre will raise awareness and motivate people to develop and assist with the implementation of climate change and energy efficiency initiatives.

MONLEC ORDER GENERATOR

Montserrat Electricity Services (MONLEC) have ordered a new 1.8 megawatt generator for an April 2007 delivery to augment the current generating capacity of the company. The cost of the generator is estimated at US$1.7 million.

The new generator will stabilise the current electrical supply system which has seen difficulties in recent times. MONLEC currently have four high speed containerised generators which replaced the main generators lost to volcanic eruptions several years ago. In recent times there have been power cuts because of maintenance and overhauls of the existing generators. Electricity demand increased by over 5% in 2006 and the new generator will allow for a similar increase in capacity for 2007.

In addition to the new generator, MONLEC are reporting that the four older generators have had their programme of overhauls completed and all are now on line. Installation of the new generator is expected to be completed by 15 April 2007.

DIVE COOPERATIVE FORMED

The two dive companies in Montserrat have joined forces to form the Montserrat Dive Co-operative. The two companies; Sea Wolf Diving School and the Green Monkey Dive Shop have said that the goal of the new co-operative is to create a single entity to represent Montserrat's recreational dive industry.

The co-operative will improve Montserrat's dive product and tourism overall and will also educate the local community to the benefits and opportunities available with scuba diving. The co-operative also intends to work with the Government of Montserrat, local fishermen and environmentalists to pursue their objectives. It is hoped that safety guidelines will be developed and safety systems, such as eco-friendly moorings, will be provided to protect local coral reefs.

The Montserrat Dive Co-operative hopes that the diving industry will enhance Montserrat's tourism product making the island a flourishing tourist destination once again.