Montserrat Volcano Blows Smoke, But Officials Calm Visitors

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (www.mvo.ms ) reported that the Soufrière Hills Volcano's activity has increased significantly over the past week with lava extrusion, ash venting and pyroclastic flows. Tourism officials on Montserrat are assuring the public that "visitors and residents remain safe and there are no reports of casualties or injuries." They also stress that the island's tourism market is still open for business and receiving travelers despite heightened activity at the volcano.

"It is important that we advise travelers that our island is still welcoming visitors in spite of the volcano's increased activity. As a matter of fact, many visitors currently on island are making use of the opportunity to go volcano viewing, especially at night," said Ernestine Cassell, director of tourism. "All our ports are open and we would like to assure the traveling public that the island's accommodations and attractions are still available to guests. We are taking all the necessary precautions to ensure that each and every one of our residents and visitors are safe and kept informed as the situation continues to develop."

Visitors to the island will be kept up-to-date on the volcano's activity on a regular basis via on air radio announcements and frequent website postings. Sections of the island that are adversely affected by heavy ash-fall are designated as restricted access areas by the National Disaster Preparedness and Response Advisory Committee. Additionally, tourism establishments in the north of the island in the areas such as Brades, Sweeney's, St. Peter's, Little Bay and St. Johns are minimally affected and are open for business. In the summer of 1995, the volcano destroyed the island's capital city of Plymouth. For more information, visit www.visitmontserrat.com.

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