Heightened Volcanic Activity in Montserrat

Since December 29, the dome of Montserrat's Soufriere Hills Volcano has continued to grow; by January 4, it had overtopped the volcano's crater, leading to flows of volcanic material of up to four kilometers in the direction of the Belham Valley.  On January 8, the Governor issued an order calling upon residents of the Belham Valley to evacuate their homes at once.

All persons are required to leave the area south of the line running from the mouth of the Pelican Ghaut westwards along the Pelican Ghaut watercourse to Shell Rock, then continuing west southwest along the ridge to the watercourse leading to the Daly River and then along the Daly River watercourse.

In addition, all persons are required to evacuate that area south of a line running from Old Road Bluff and running eastwards along Loblolly Lane, through to Isles Bay Plantation and continuing southeastwards to Lower Happy Hill, Lower Frith's, Dr. Woods and Water Works, to intersect with the road leading to the former Air Studios building and continuing eastwards and then southeastwards along that road to the Water Works Estate House, then continuing eastwards to the Daly River watercourse.

Access to all areas south of the Belham Valley is now suspended. The daytime entry zone, comprising the top part of St. George's Hill, is closed. Access to all areas south of Richmond Hill, and south of Jack Boy Hill to Bramble Airport and beyond is prohibited at all times.

Residents of Montserrat and visitors to the island are advised to tune in to ZJB Radio 95.5 FM for up-to-date information on the volcano.