Monserrat's Volcano Smoulders

Government Minister Flies to Montserrat as Fears Grow of Fresh Eruption

At least nine people are known to have died in the deluge of lava and ten others are missing, presumed dead. A BBC correspondent there reports that the danger zone is increasing in size all the time, as the volcano becomes more volatile and potentially more deadly. The crater, high in the Soufriere Hills, is hidden beneath a giant cloud of steam and ash, but scientists monitoring its seismic activity fear it will soon explode again, sending debris thousands of feet into the air.

Helicopter crews have been flying through the grey dust-filled sky, searching for those still missing. Yesterday they spotted two women aged 87 and 60 - who had been sheltering in one of the villages devastated by Wednesday's eruption - and carried them to safety. So far rescue teams have saved more than 80 people. Officials continue to express hope that more survivors will be found.

The island's governor, Frank Savage, says the deaths have shaken islanders to the core.

Britain is making available £6.8 million of aid to help overcome the devastation of the eruption.

Lady Symons will fly to Antigua, then travel by helicopter to Montserrat. She said: "The Government takes its responsibility for the people of Montserrat very seriously." She said that although she was on the island just a fortnight ago on a routine visit, she felt it essential to see for herself what was needed by the people of Montserrat, which is a British Dependent Territory.

The £6.8 million of aid has been made available by the Department for International Development. Departmental Minister George Foulkes said the funds were likely to be used for immediate emergency needs and longer term rehousing and hospital projects.