Caribbean
Old dome collapse causing large pyroclastic flow
By Government Information Unit
Oct 19, 2009, 13:00 UTC

BRADES, MONTSERRAT - Residents on Montserrat paused only briefly to look at the ash cloud which was generated from Tuesday afternoon's dome collapse.

According to Dr. Paul Cole, Director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, the cloud which reached well over 20,000 feet was most probably caused by the collapse of a portion of the old dome.

Speaking to reporters on ZJB Radio Montserrat, Dr. Cole explained that the new material which is being generated by the volcano is eating away at the old structure, which caused some destabilization and lead to the collapse.

"There was a slow increase during the late morning and it peaked when part of the dome collapsed and we had the most intense seismicity we have seen so far, since activity resumed on October 4," explained the scientist.

There are no immediate plans to raise the hazard level which is now at three. Dr. Cole said they are monitoring the situation and only if pyroclastic flows became much larger would they consider asking persons in Old Towne and surrounding areas to take precautionary steps.

Work on island continued as normal and there is a general feeling of calm among the residents. "She (Soufriere) does her thing and I will do mine," said one resident. "She just likes to remind us that she is still there."

A regular activity report will be given each afternoon at 4pm on ZJB Radio www.zjb.gov.ms. More details on the Soufriere Hills Volcano can be found on www.mvo.ms.