view of Soufriere Hills volcano – Jan. 24, 2010
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory Report for August 3-10, 2012 reported in part that on August 8, ash venting and roaring sounds were heard at the same time. The ash drifted westwards over Plymouth at about 1 kilometre above sea level. The report also noted that there was a change in wind direction which meant that the volcanic plume was blown northwards for much of 9 August and the smell of volcanic gases was noticeable in some inhabited areas.
Following this report by Roderick Stewart, Acting Director, he reported to ZJB Radio, that there were some expression of fear about hearing the volcano roaring at night, but said that “this is again something that happens from time to time; it’s not uncommon,” noting the wind direction in ‘unusual weather conditions’.
In the report, Ag. Director pointed out, “…The volcano is still in the pause, well over 18 months now that it’s been going on for, it’s actually I think the longest pause we’ve had…,”adding as in previous pauses as well, we have little bits of activity but none of these are indication that new lava is coming to the surface…”he said.
Earlier view of Plymouth being buried
He also said, there is no reason, at the moment, to make any changes to the level of hazard or anything else like that.
Vandalism to equipment in the unsafe zone.
Meanwhile Ag. Director Stewart is complaining that a month or so ago there was some vandalism done to one of our stations. Now he says, “…and then in the last couple of weeks we’ve noticed that one of our stations in Long ground over in the tar river side someone was seen tampering…” with equipment in the area.
He said, “it’s very annoying…and it is stopping us recoding data which is vital to our monitoring of this volcano,” adding, “this is a temporary station we move around the volcano its providing us with vital data.”
Stewart said further that if people would stop going into the zone it stop any instances of people tampering with our equipment, “whether it’s accidentally or deliberately – I can’t tell but we need the equipment to be working for us to continue with our work,” he concluded.
