For a brief period today, Zone V was closed due to increased earthquakes at the Soufriere Hills Volcano.
According to a statement from Dr. Graham Ryan, Director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, the “MVO seismic network recorded a brief but intense swarm of Volcano-Tectonic (VT) earthquakes which started at 10:20 a.m. and lasted approximately 90 minutes. 93 VT events were recorded in the swarm, the two largest having magnitudes of 3.3. The VTs were located at depths of 2-3 kilometres beneath the dome, similar to almost all VT events during the current pause.
“This swarm was probably the most intense seen since the pause began on 11 February 2010. It is comparable to a VT swarm on 23 March 2012, which lasted almost three hours and was accompanied by ash venting. That swarm contained fewer VTs (54) than today’s but its largest VT had a magnitude of 3.6,” the statement read.
“There was no ash venting associated with today’s VT swarm and there have been no changes in fumarole or rockfall activity.”
According to officials, the observed activity prompted a recommendation to the authorities to temporarily suspend activities in Zone V. The activity was confirmed to have returned to background levels by about 12:40pm. This was communicated to the authorities who subsequently restored access to Zone V.
Dr. Ryan, said that “while the swarm was notable, there are no immediate signs of a major eruption.” He urged residents and visitors to practice continued vigilance and adhere to safety measures.
2025 will make 30 years since the Soufriere Hills Volcano roared back to life. The last significant eruption was in February 2010.
