Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Report Highlights Possibility of Controlled Access to Restricted Zone
Government officials here have the ultimate responsibility to adjust the access policies for the Volcano-ridden Southern side of the island.
This was revealed in the 29th Report of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) on Montserrat Volcanic Activity, which highlights the potential for managed access to specific areas within the restricted zone.
The report stated that while the volcano remains in a prolonged state of paused activity, hazard levels vary within Zone V.
There are currently 5 exclusion zones around the volcano – A, B, C, F, and V.
Speaking during an interview with host Winston Cabey on the Volcano Vibes Radio Programme, Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee Professor Eliza Calder says evidence shows that some parts of Zone V may now present minimal risk, making them candidates for consideration of controlled access.
SAC Chair Professor Eliza Calder
The SAC report recommends a pragmatic, risk-based approach, proposing three key strategies for determining access to Zone V.
The first step involves broadly identifying areas within Zone V where the volcanic risk is comparable to other natural hazards in the region and listed as low risk. It says activities in these areas could then be evaluated based on additional factors and needs, such as economic considerations.
The second move is to identify some areas, such as the Tar River and sections immediately around the dome, as High-Risk zones that should remain restricted.
Finally, the report suggests conducting site-specific risk assessments for areas outside of the zone classification but for which there is some basis for interest to access.
The government of Montserrat, in collaboration with the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), is exploring how these recommendations can be incorporated into official policy.
The discussion includes considerations for sand mining, tourism, and scientific research.
Officials are expected to convene a National Disaster Preparedness and Response Advisory Committee (NDPRAC) meeting in February to review the findings and discuss possible policy changes.
The full report can be read at: https://www.mvo.ms/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SAC29_Final_Report.pdf