Montserrat -- 8 Feb., 2007 -- Scientists at the MVO briefed the Emergency Policy Group Tuesday 6 February and informed them that the dome at the Soufrière Hills Volcano is still growing on the Western side of the crater. It is estimated that the top of the dome now stands 1065 metres above sea level and contains some 250 million cubic metres of material.

Current estimates indicate that almost 20 million cubic metres of material could collapse into Tyres Ghaut and into the Belham Valley.

The Scientific Advisory Committee’s (SAC) computer modelling has shown that further areas in the present safe zone could be impacted by pyroclastic flows and surges.

Having considered this advice,
the authorities have determined that further areas in the safe zone would need to be evacuated. Residents in the areas south of Bishop Lane, next to Alford Dyett’s house, and south of the roundabout at Old Towne are asked to be prepared to move at short notice. In the next few days these residents will be visited house to house by disaster officials.

The information at present indicates that if dome growth continues in the north west direction further evacuations may become necessary.

However, it is unlikely that residents of Salem will be evacuated.

Everyone should remain vigilant.

Concerned residents are invited to call Salem Police Station for further information (telephone 491 5255).

Source: http://www.giu.gov.ms/