Monsterrat residents living close by volcano remain in shelters

Residents who live close to Monserrat’s volcano will have to remain in shelters a while longer, as authorities have not cleared their communities as safe for habitation.



Last Thursday, residents living in Old Towne and Isles Bay Hill and surrounding communities were ordered to evacuate due to the threat of increased volcanic activity.



An evacuation order was issued after smoldering rocks and gas spewed down the northwest side of the volcano.



The order restricts residents from accessing their homes between the hours of 5:30 in the evening and 6:30 in the morning.



Authorities are concerned that there would not be enough warning at nights to evacuate residents if the volcano posed an immediate threat.



Director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, Paul Cole said scientists want to be sure that the risk has decreased sufficiently before residents are allowed back into their homes for an indefinite period.