The acquisition of several satellite images and the activation of the International Charter “Space and Major Disasters” played a pivotal role during the recent volcanic crisis in Montserrat. The imagery data allowed the Montserrat Volcano Observatory to determine that the lava dome at the Soufriere Hills Volcano had not been destabilized. As a result, the Government of Montserrat was able to save valuable resources by cancelling an evacuation that had been ordered as a precautionary measure. This was made possible after MVO Ag. Director, Roderick Stewart, called on fellow participants from the UN-SPIDER Workshop (Caribbean region) for assistance. The full story and images can be found at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs website.
