safety steps

Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) – 21 October 2023 marked the 5000th day of “Pause” 5. It now accounts for 48.4% of the total duration of the eruption.

The eruption began on 18 July 1995, with a phreatic explosion and has since been characterised by the occurrence of eruptive activity in five distinct “Phases”, separated by periods of little or no eruptive activity termed “pauses”.

The eruption is currently in its fifth (and longest) pause since the end of lava extrusion and a major dome collapse event on 11 February 2010.

While volcanic activity is low, the Soufrière Hills Volcano remains active, which is why it is vital the MVO team continue to monitor it.