Level reduced from 2 to 1 creating level 0
It is being hailed the best news of the year – the reduction of the volcanic ‘hazard level’ to 1, creating a new level of 0, with the hope that there will be much improved if not guaranteed electricity due to serve the island as of July next year, with geothermal development, and the sight of a new government in whatever form looming,
It was in November, 2011, when the last reduction of the hazard level of Soufriere Hills Volcano “from 3 to 2, which will allow day-time access to Zone C.” Almost three years ago the reminder was published that Zone C comprises Cork Hill, Delvins, Weekes, Foxes Bay and Richmond Hill, with the note there will be no access to St Georges Hill since is it now in Zone V.
In June this year we reported that the Governor under questions and suggestions from the press informed that he was in active discussions with the MVO about proposals to reduce the hazard level warning. At that time he hastened to say, “That would not mean that we are looking to re-establish habitation in homes in Zone C.
However on August 8, 2014, last Friday, a Government House press release confirmed the MVO statement of August 5: “The Hazard Level System had been revised and the Hazard Level is reduced to 1, with immediate effect.”
The new Hazard Level System is published as version 3. The Zones are unchanged except that Zone V now includes a small maritime area up to 1 km off shore from the delta of the Tar River Valley. Hazard Levels 2 to 5 are unchanged. There are now two Hazard Levels, 0 and 1, in place of the previous Hazard Level 1.
The Hazard Level is reduced to 1. There is no access to Plymouth or the rest of Zone V. Access to Zone C is unrestricted; it is open 24 hours per day and no passes are required for access. Both Maritime Zones E and W are daytime transit only between sunrise and sunset (boats may sail through the zone but must not stop).”
The Government House release explained further: …
- The Hazard Level System has been changed to a six level system starting at Level Zero (0) and going up to Level Five (5).
- The current Hazard Level has been reduced to Level One (1) in the new system. This allows full time entry into Zone C (which previously was Daytime Entry only) and the Daytime Transit of Maritime Zone E.”
It advised further that note must be taken that there are no changes at present regarding entry to Zone V. “However, Zone V now includes a small maritime area up to 1km off shore from the Tar River Delta on the east coast of the island.”
It followed that, there is no need any longer to present oneself at Salem Police Station to gain entry to Zone C but the was the advice “that entry to the Zone should be vehicular only and not be on foot. Everyone is still urged to carry a cell phone with them when entering the area.”
Undoubtedly there are some cautions but not restrictions that would remain in place and will appear in a DMCA new brochure, as announced.
