Soufriere Hills threatens to blow again

Montserrat: the Threat

The voluntary evacuation plan was a result of a recent increase in volcanic activity. Experts have said that if a cataclysmic event does occur, the entire island could be unsafe.

Since the Soufriere Hills volcano became active in July 1995, the island has been partitioned into a relatively safe northern zone and an unsafe southern zone which includes the destroyed capital, Plymouth.

Scientists in Guadeloupe said last week that they had seen signs of intense seismic activity inside the volcano, which could be symptoms of rising lava.

Most of Plymouth has been destroyed

A large eruption on June 25 killed 19 people - the first fatalities from the volcano's activity. Part of its dome collapsed and a plume of smoke and ash was propelled several miles into the air.

Further huge eruptions on August 5 and 6 ruined Plymouth, destroying most of its buildings. Deposits of ash there are several feet deep. The eruption was so violent that it showered debris on even the northern safe area.

Activity at the volcano remains at a high level. There are also reports of earthquakes in the region.

Scientists say that further explosions may take place with little or no warning - and may be more intense and longer lasting than those already experienced.

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Global Volcanism Programme
Government of Montserrat and Montserrat Volcano Observatory at Michigan Technological University
Volcano World at University of North Dakota