Paradise lost

International Development Minister Clare Short: We will look after the islanders Dur: 2'22"

Britain Prepares for Evacuation of Montserrat

Government officials said they could no longer rule out the possibility of a "cataclysmic-intensive eruption" on the island.

The volcano already has forced authorities to evacuate all but the north of the island, including Plymouth, the capital. The volcano became active in July 1995 and killed at least 10 people in a violent eruption on June 25 this year.

No safe havens left

On Saturday, officials had ordered the evacuation of the central towns of Salem, Flemmings, Hope and Olveston, following a warning by scientists who had detected a trend toward "more violent and hazardous behavior ... and explosive activity."

All but about 4,000 of the colony's 11,000 residents have left since 1995. Most of those remaining are crowded into shelters in the rugged north - until recently thought safe from the volcano's eruptions.

Montserrat Government spokesman, Clive Mansfield, describes the situation on the island

Foreign Office officials met representatives of the Department of International Development to discuss the next stage of a possible relief programme for the island. A spokesman said that "the main objective is the safety of all the inhabitants."

Jennifer Tonge, the Liberal Democrat's spokeswoman on international development, attacked the current aid operation and called for swift action. Dr Tonge condemned the inadequate accommodation and health provision for islanders who had to flee the volcano. She urged the Government to grant British citizenship to those islanders who seek it, offer assisted passage to Britain and ensure aid is put to effective use.

Soufriere Hills: Beautiful, but deadly

Dr. Tonge said the Government had failed to monitor the aid programme to ensure it was effective.

Volcano Buries Rock Legend

Air Studio, was built by former Beatles' producer George Martin, on one of the hilltops in the lush jungle of Montserrat. But along with much of the island it lies in ruins, buried under a wasteland of toxic ash.

Mr Martin set up the studio in 1979 on a former cotton plantation. He had the white stone building put on ball-bearings so it could withstand tremors from the nearby volcano by floating on its foundation.

American balladeer Jimmy Buffet recorded the song "Volcano" within its walls, including the lyrics: "I don't know where I'm gonna go when the volcano blow."