St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago W.I. – Thursday July 18th, 2024 – The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) will continue to benefit from the expertise of the UWI Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC) under a new five-year management contract, ensuring continued vigilance and research on the Soufrière Hills Volcano (SHV). The new contract, effective from July 2024 to June 2029, extends the longstanding collaboration between these premier Caribbean institutions. The UWI-SRC has been integral to the history of the Soufrière Hills Volcano. Since the 1950’s the Centre was responsible for monitoring its historic unrest and responded when the volcano began to erupt in 1995. UWI-SRC was among the founding groups involved in establishing the MVO and have officially managed its operations since 2008. Since then, seven (7) full-time staff from the UWI-SRC have been stationed at the MVO, overseeing its monitoring programs and enhancing scientific understanding of the volcanic system and its associated hazards.
On the viewing deck at the MVO during a visit by the FCDO Director and Governor in 2023 (From R-L: MVO Director Graham Ryan, FCDO Director – Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate, and Acting Governor of Anguilla – Mr. Paul and Her Excellency Governor Sarah Tucker).
This collaboration also includes partnering with the MVO on its vibrant Education and Outreach initiatives. In 2025, the MVO in collaboration with the UWI-SRC will commemorate 30 years since the Soufrière Hills Volcano began its eruption. To mark this significant milestone, the SHV30 scientific conference will be held, celebrating Montserrat’s pivotal role in advancing global understanding of volcanoes and their impact on societies. Volcanologists and scientists from around the world will gather on the Emerald Isle to discuss recent findings and share experiences from their work on this extensively studied volcano. Deputy Governor Lyndell Simpson was pleased with the signing of the new contract stating “the continued partnership between UWI-SRC and the Government of Montserrat to operate the MVO is vital to ensuring public safety and continued confidence in the sustainable future of Montserrat. We continue to build on strong collaborative relationships and relish opportunities for the MVO at the forefront of volcanic research, with the impending 30 year milestone attesting to the resilience and adaptability of the Island and our people.”
Dr Erouscilla Joseph, Director UWI-SRC, expressed her enthusiasm for the renewed partnership stating, “The MVO is a valuable focal point for volcano research in the Caribbean region”. The new contract, valued at approximately EC$ 3.5 million annually, follows a two-year interim arrangement that concluded in June 2024. The scientists and staff of the MVO/UWI-SRC are committed to continue their dedicated service to the people of Montserrat and neighbouring islands over the next five years.
Drone footage of the external MVO building by Prof. Richard Robertson (2023)
St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago – Tuesday July 16th, 2024 From 12:45 am (local time) on July 16th, 2024 a burst of volcanic earthquakes was recorded beneath northern Dominica. Some of these events were sufficiently large to be felt but were smaller than magnitude 3.5 which is below the threshold for posting to the SRC’s social media platforms. So far, 345 earthquakes have been recorded in the sequence and as of 7:30 am (local time) the rate of events has decreased. The Seismic Research Centre is continuing to monitor the activity and provide ODM – Office of Disaster Management, Dominica with regular updates. The UWI-SRC and the ODM – Office of Disaster Management, Dominica are the official sources of information on volcanic activity in Dominica.
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St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago – Monday July 8th, 2024 Water levels at the Boiling Lake, Dominica, have changed significantly during the past few days. This is a phenomenon that has occurred several times in the past but was first recorded in 1876. Changes in water levels at the lake were last observed in March 2024. The current state of the lake shows a large drop in water levels with steam emission from the main vent area now more clearly visible. The observed changes at the Boiling Lake are not currently considered to be an increase in volcanic activity in the area.
The periods of instability that the lake have exhibited over the last 5 -10 years suggests a new pattern of behavior has been established which consists of frequent cycles of instability. Caution should be exercised when visiting the area during such periods. During these episodes, harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, can be released. Also, steam explosions may occur since underlying vents that supply water to the lake which may have become blocked are cleared without warning. The UWI-SRC and the ODM – Office of Disaster Management, Dominica continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates accordingly. The UWI-SRC and the ODM – Office of Disaster Management, are the official sources of information on volcanic activity in Dominica.
St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago – Wednesday April 17th, 2024 On 26 March 2024, the lake was observed to experience a significant drop in water levels, followed by a period of slow draining up to 29 March, when there was little to no water observed in the lake.
Following which, there was some partial refilling of the lake with water levels remaining low and fluctuating somewhat. However, by 8 April 2024, activity increased with water temperatures of 84oC being recorded and visible venting observed.
As of 11 April 2024, the Boiling Lake’s water level and activity have returned to almost normal conditions.
Increase in water levels 11 April 2024
The observed changes in water levels and activity at the Boiling Lake have occurred in the past and are not necessarily related to increased volcanic activity in the area. Historically, these periods of instability can last for weeks to months before normal activity is fully re-established. During these episodes harmful gases such as Carbon Dioxide, can be released and small steam explosions may also occur. People should, therefore, exercise caution if visiting the Boiling Lake until the activity fully resumes to its normal state.
The UWI-SRC and Dominica’s Office of Disaster Management (ODM) with support from the Forestry, Wildlife & Parks Division, are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary.
Scientific updates on the volcano will be available on The UWI-SRC website (www.uwiseismic.com) and social media platforms (@uwiseismic).
