Montserrat, W.I. August 2, 1995
New Vent Opens but Island Remains on Orange Alert
It has been another week of lessons in volcanic activity here as Montserratians
try desperately to come to grips with the situation brought on by the exploding
‘Langs’ volcano.
The activity plunged the island into eruption mode two weeks ago. But just as
the rumblings and emissions from the Paradise Mountain seemed to be quieting
down last Friday, another vent opened in an adjoining mountain in Tar River
east of the Lang soufriére. At best the situation on the surface seems to have
stabilized but the Emergency Operations Centre is maintaining a high state of
alert.
Unofficial reports from the top of Paradise suggest the area of concern is
around 1500ft. above sea level. They tell of scorched trees covering an area of
around 30 acres but say so far no major crater has developed.
Most of the activity remains centred on contingency planning and aerial and
earth station monitoring of the mountain. But while the alert level remains
orange, business across the island continues as usual.
There are four phases of alert. Operations and Logistics Officer Vernon
Buffonge, of the Emergency Operations Centre said there is an initial phase
when the mountain begins acting up and their are earth tremors. The next step
is the yellow which is raised when it is suspected that volcanic activity is taking
place. The Orange phase is posted when there is definite volcanic activity and
when other indicators suggest that all is not well with the volcano. The final
stage of alert is red which is posted when activity is on going.
The explanation brought little relief to an anxious population. In fact some
people blame it for a mini exodus which saw families scrambling to ensure that
particularly wives and children got of f the island ahead of any eruption. Some
families even risked their lives on small launches.
Governor Frank Savage and Chief Minister Reuben Meade in their nightly
statements, continue to present a more upbeat front. At one time the Governor
highlighted an incident in which he was approached by a man who was more
concerned about the West Indies beating England in the fourth test in
Manchester. At the same time he reported that since the scientists from the
United States and France had joined the regional team, there had been no
change in the situation but around the clock monitoring of the volcano was
continuing.
According to the Governor, it was the consensus of all the scientists that gas
samples have shown no change in content. He said further samples which were
taken last Friday have been sent overseas for tests to determine if there is any
change. Governor Savage also spoke of a build up of the British Military. And he
revealed that by end of the week eleven British soldiers will be here. “We are
taking the opportunity to put together for the first time a really professional
contingency plan,” he said. In the past” he added, all our plans have been for
hurricane and we have not got an effective volcano contingency plan,”
Meantime the Emergency Operating Centre has confirmed that the danger area
stretches from Beiham River five miles north of Plymouth and includes all areas
further South. According to Major Joseph Lynch of the Montserrat Defence
Force, that area following a straight line across the island will take in all of the
capital Plymouth, all areas South to St. Patricks as well as Molyneaux, Streatham
and all areas East to Trants and Long Ground.
Emergency Hospital Site Identified
Health Minister Lazelle Howes has announced that a site for an emergency
hospital including operating theatre has already been established. But she said
the Glendon hospital and health centres continue to provide regular services.
“We are not going to grind to a halt waiting for something to happen,” she
declared.
For his part Chief Medical Officer David Moorson believes that everyone must
be educated, informed and psychologically prepared for the activity.
He said the most important mechanism for coping with the situation is to allow life
to go on normally. At the same time he cautioned against excessive alcohol use
which is a mechanism that many people will resort to. “Excessive partying too
does not help the situation,” he said.
A leading local psychologist agrees that information and education is important.
“I think what’s more important is that people are assured that whatever happens
they will be safe,” she said.
She spoke of what she termed a whole new coping mechanism which will call for
some adjustment in life styles. “We understand the various stages of a
hurricane, and people will have to become just as familiar with the drill for
volcanic activity,” she said. “We have to get these drills in place,” she added.
Just hours after she spoke last Friday, Governor Savage announced that
residents in Long Ground around nine miles East of Plymouth were being
evacuated. A week earlier they were given the all clear to return home from
shelters at Bethel six miles east of Plymouth and three miles west of Long
Ground.
Chief Minister Reuben Meade today confirmed that neighbouring islands
including St. Kitts-Nevis, Antigua-Barbuda. St. Maarten and the British Virgin
Islands as well as other Caribbean states were rallying behind Montserrat. Some
islands had offered to host nationals should there be a need to evacuate the
island.
Scientists Tuesday installed tilt-meters which they say will allow them to measure
any variations in the size of mountains
Referring to the large numbers of residents who have been attracted to the Tar
River to view the venting of steam, the Chief Minister said “this was very positive
for ECO-tourism.” “One of the things we are doing for tourism promotion, is
promoting Montserrat and the activity here as the newest volcano”
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