Date Posted: December 04, 2008.

There was an explosion and pyroclastic flow at the Soufriere Hills Volcano at approximately 9:35 pm local time on 2nd December 2008.

The explosion happened without any warning. There was no precursory seismic activity.

The explosion appears to have taken place on the western side of the lava dome. The explosion sent large blocks to distances up to a kilometre from the dome. Incandescent blocks were scattered over the north-westen side of Gages mountain which implies a vertical element to the explosion. There have been no reports of air-fall pumice or ballistics in inhabited areas.

The pyroclastic flow was on the western flank of the volcano. It travelled down Gages Valley and into Plymouth and appears to have reached the sea. Buildings were set alight in Plymouth and could be seen burning from Salem for several hours afterwards.

The explosion and pyroclastic flow both generated ash columns and these were accompanied by lightning strikes. It was not possible to estimate the height of the ash columns. The ash was blown to the west and there have been no reports of ash fall in inhabited areas.


The Hazard Level remains at 3.


Roderick Stewart
Ag. Director, Montserrat Volcano Observatory