safety steps

Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) – The Montserrat Volcano Observatory is aware that some people may have questions about some content which is circulating on the internet.

We would like to take this opportunity to clarify that activity at the Soufrière Hills Volcano remains low. The Hazard Level at the volcano has not changed and remains at Level 1.

MVO sees no signs of imminent eruptive activity at the volcano. However, the magmatic system of the volcano remains active and still has the potential for future eruptive activity.

We expect to see a number of precursory signals before a resumption of eruptive activity. We are not currently seeing any of those signs.

The preliminary statement from the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) provides a summary of conclusions from the last meeting in November 2023 and can be accessed here : https://mvoms.org/…/SAC…/SAC28-Preliminary_Statement.pdf

The meaning and significance of the preliminary statement is discussed in this interview with 664 Connect (https://www.facebook.com/664connectmedia/videos/1174475150029764).

The MVO monitors the volcano closely and is the best source of information about the volcano.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to MVO at 491 5647, connect with us through our social media channels, or visit us in person. You can also email us at mvo@mvo.ms.

Current state of the volcano :

• Above background volcano tectonic earthquake activity.

• Excess sulphur dioxide degassing of hundreds of tonnes per day.

• Ongoing slow deformation of the ground due to increasing pressure of magma beneath the volcano. The north and south of the island are moving away from each other at about 1 cm per year.

• The temperatures of gases being emitted from some fumaroles remains high (more than 500 °C)

Before the volcano starts to erupt again we expect to see some of the following:

• Swarms of low frequency earthquakes (long period and hybrid earthquakes

• Significant increases in rockfalls

• Volcanic tremor

• Further increases in the strength of the fumaroles and possible ash venting

• Changes in the composition of the volcanic gases

• Changes in the pattern of ground deformation

• Other signals may also occur