MONTSERRAT

Geneva Sitrep, June 30, 1997

From: Incident Information 
To: bathead@u.washington.edu
Subject: [SITREPS:834] Monserrat: Volcano  [DHA-01: 30-Jun-97]
Montserrat Volcanic Eruption
DHA-Geneva Situation Report No. 1
30 June 1997

Situation

1. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA)  and the Pan
American Health Organization PAHO)   report that the  escalation of
volcanic activity at the Soufriere Volcano has resulted in a serious
pyroclastic flow on the northern side of the volcano. A total of 2
square kilometres of land has been covered by pyroclastic flow and
surge. Alert level remains at Orange (alert level three, alert level
four (Red) being highest alert level).

2. To date, 10 dead,  12 are missing.  Victims with serious burn
injuries receive medical attention in Guadeloupe and Martinique. 

3. Communication/electricity/water supply intact. 


Relief and preparedness efforts

4.  A decision has been taken to evacuate on a voluntary basis some 2,
000 persons. Contingency plans are being put in place for housing
potential evacuees in school facilities in the north of the island. A
decision to accelerate housing construction in the north has been made. 

5. The airport was successfully evacuated before the pyroclastic flow
and remains closed until further notice. Consideration is being given to
the provision of alternative access to the island via ferry and
helicopter. 

6.  Local relief and preparedness measures supported by the UK
Government. The French Government has assisted in airlifting victims for
medical treatment, and the Dutch Government has participated in search
and rescue operations.

7.PAHO has responded to a request from the Government of
Montserrat:three doctors, a pathologist and six nurses sent to
Montserrat.

8. The  Eastern Caribbean Donor Group and CDERA are in regular contact
with the Government of Montserrat to determine needs for assistance, and
the Regional Response Mechanism is on alert. 


Telephone number: +41-22-917-1234
In case of emergency only: +41-22-917-2010
Desk Officers: Mr. Erik Haegglund, direct tel: +41-22-917-3299
Contact for media: Ms. M. Moulin-Acevedo, direct tel: +41-22-917-2856
Telex: 41 42 42 dha ch
Fax: +41-22-917-0023
E-mail: info@dha.unicc.org

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