Pyroclastic flows and surges swept down the west, north, and east flanks of Soufriere Hills volcano in Montserrat when a part of the volcano's growing lava dome collapsed on June 25, 1997. Located about 2 km north of the dome along Mosquito Ghaut, this area was one of the best agricultural sites on the island before the volcano became active in 1995.

This area was covered with (1) a thin (as thick as a few decimeters) layer of mostly sand-sized volcanic ash fragments from a pyroclastic surge; and (2) a thicker layer of very coarse-grained pyroclastic flow deposits (note boulders in Mosquito Ghaut, upper left). The buildings were destroyed both by direct impact of the surge and by fires generated from the intense heat of the ash and lava fragments carried by the pyroclastic surge.

The June 25 activity killed nine people within an evacuated zone, and 11 people still missing are presumed dead. An estimated 200 houses in seven different villages were destroyed. This view is south toward Soufriere Hills volcano, which is obscured by clouds.