UK Defence Attaché Visits Montserrat Volcano Observatory
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) recently welcomed UK Defence Attaché Lt Col Simon Dack and Lt Cdr Christopher Yates of the Royal Navy, Caribbean Maritime Lead for the Joint Forces Headquarters, during a visit to the Observatory.
The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to learn more about MVO’s role in monitoring the Soufrière Hills Volcano and the scientific processes that support volcanic hazard assessment and decision-making in Montserrat.
As part of the visit, the delegation toured the MVO Operations Room, where Seismologist Stephen Hernandez provided an overview of the Observatory’s monitoring activities. He highlighted the importance of real-time data collection, analysis, and interpretation in understanding changes in volcanic behaviour and maintaining awareness of the volcano’s status.
The Operations Room serves as the centre of MVO’s monitoring efforts, where scientists analyse information from a range of monitoring networks and instruments to assess volcanic activity and provide scientific advice to the Government of Montserrat and other stakeholders.
During the visit, Lt Col Dack and Lt Cdr Yates also met with Acting Director Dr Thomas Christopher, who shared insights into the Observatory’s ongoing work, its scientific partnerships, and its continued commitment to supporting volcanic risk reduction and resilience on the island.
