Dome of Montserrat's Volcano Collapses

[Eugene]

Dome of Montserrat's Volcano Collapses

The Associated Press
Saturday, May 20, 2006; 10:06 PM

OLVESTON, Montserrat -- A dome that had been growing atop the volcano
on this Caribbean island collapsed Saturday, sending debris cascading
down the mountain and raining ash over a wide area, scientists said.
No injuries were reported.

The Montserrat government issued a statement saying residents should
stay indoors, but added: "Montserrat's population is safe."

The dome had been building since August and formed the highest part
of the 3,000-foot-tall volcano.

Ash plumes rose to 55,000 feet and sent a pyroclastic flow of burning
gas and rock fragments shooting down the eastern flank of the mountain
into the Caribbean, said Sue Loughlin, director of the Montserrat
Volcano Observatory.

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Full article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/20/AR2006052001440.html