MVO Media Release
Friday, October 24, 2014
Montserrat, W.I. – October 24, 2014 – Our attention has been drawn to an article published on the website www.phys.org titled “And now, the volcano forecast”. The article discusses some of the research carried out on the gas emissions at the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat. The final paragraph of this article appears to have caused some alarm, as it ends with the sentence “we know from looking at older ash deposits on the island that this volcano is capable of much larger eruptions than we have seen in recent years, perhaps even as large as the Mount St Helens blast”.
Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) and the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) wish to assure all parties that this statement does not imply that a much larger eruption of the Soufrière Hills Volcano is to be expected. Our work in monitoring the volcano and in risk assessment leads us to conclude that the likelihood of a much larger eruption is very, very small indeed.
ABOUT THE MONTSERRAT VOLCANO OBSERVATORY
The role of Montserrat Volcano Observatory is to monitor the Soufrière Hills Volcano through a combination of techniques, to detect any changes in volcanic activity. Monitoring and research findings are used to provide the Government of Montserrat with regular, timely, impartial advice on volcanic hazards and risks so that appropriate decisions can be made to ensure the safety of residents. The MVO also supports local authorities with public education programs on volcanic hazards and emergency response.
ABOUT THE SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Scientific Advisory Committee for Montserrat is an advisory body established by the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office to provide advice and risk assessments about the Soufrière Hills Volcano Montserrat. It consists of six experienced volcanologists, under the chairmanship of Professor Jurgen Neuberg, University of Leeds, UK.
