Volcano Bad (Volcano Alert)

Scientists keep a constant eye on the state of activity of Soufrière Hills volcano with a wide range of techniques. Depending on the volcano’s state of unrest, different volcano alert levels are assigned and communicated to the public. Each alert level comes with a set of predefined mandatory actions, such as access restrictions to certain parts of the island, or evacuations.

Volcano Alert

‘I know that hurricane is / Thunder lightning and rain
I know that when the ground start to shake / We just call it earthquake
I don’t know what is happening / I hear a loud rumbling
Then I know it’s the volcano / Getting ready to blow

Volcano bad volcano
Volcano bad bad bad bad
Volcano bad Volcano
Volcano bad bad bad bad
And when I hear the volcano rumble oh (bu-dum-bum-ba-dum-bum)
And you hear the volcano rumble (bu-dum-bum-ba-dum-bum)
And rocks stones start to tumble (bu-dum-bum-ba-dum-bum)
Montserrat people tremble oh (bu-dum-bum-ba-dum-bum)

The sulphur smelling so bad / And the ash is driving you mad
The thought of volcanic eruption / Have you in frustration
They came on the radio / Telling everybody be calm
Pack a bag get ready to go / This is not a false alarm

[Chorus]

Take the volcano seriously / To prevent a tragedy
Try to make some preparation / In case of an eruption
To avoid any confusion / Listen to correct information
Do Something and stop wasting time / It might erupt any time’

– Extract from Song 'Volcano Medley' by Desmond "Flasher" Daley

‘For all zones A to G, its full occupation
Background seismicity, that’s the situation
No volcanic activity yet in sight
“I’m on the stage right now,” said White.

Local seismicity now enhanced
“Ah ha!” laughed Yellow. “here’s my chance”
Ground deformation, mild eruption follow
The alert stage this time is Yellow.

A dome is forming, eruption in progress
Limited occupation B, Zone A no access
“Be alert! No time to slumber
For now it is my turn,” warned Amber.

The contest continues, activity shifting gear
Increasing ash-fall, D and E get their share
“Just a matter of time before activities change
So I’ll do my own thing now,” said Orange.

Rapid evacuation, more pyroclastic flows
Will she violently blow? No one knows
All watch and speculate, possibilities so overt
“At last!” cried Red, “Red alert! Red alert!”

The joys of Red didn’t last too long
The colours now thought that something’s wrong
All but Orange, said, “What a thing,
Level high or level low, Orange is still King.”

The strife continues. Purple is quite upset.
He hasn’t got a chance to prove himself yet
“Now listen,” he voiced, please be attentive,
My day will come and I’ll be quite explosive.”

The colours all listened, but know deep in their hearts
That the Orange stage alert may never depart
White is optimistic, he knows that some great day
All zones will reoccupy and he would have his way.’

– 'Colour Contest', Poem by Gertrude Shotte