Activity at the Soufrière Hills Volcano has been low this week.

Thirteen rockfalls events and five volcano tectonic (VT) earthquakes were recorded this week.

The average sulphur dioxide measurement this week was 441 tons per day, with a maximum of 787 and a minimum of 249 tons per day.

A relatively large pyroclastic flow occurred in the Tar River valley on 24 March at 17:58 hrs. The runout is not known but it is likely that this was in excess of 2 km. This flow is related to degradation of the dome on the eastern side as recent observations noted undercutting and overhanging areas in that area.  The resulting ash cloud drifted west over uninhabited areas.

A small lahar occurred in the upper Belham valley on the evening of the 19 March.

Despite the low level of activity, sporadic pyroclastic flows can and do occur without any warning. The Hazard Level is 3. There is no access to the terrestrial Zone C and only daytime transit access to shipping through the maritime extension of the zone.

• < Prev
• Next >