THOUSANDS of residents of the tiny Caribbean island of Montserrat crowded into churches on Easter Sunday, praying for an end to explosive eruptions from the Chances Peak volcano. Officials say it might be preparing for a "climactic eruption".
Scientists at the Montserrat Volcanic Observatory said they remained gravely concerned about the level of activity of the volcano, which roared back to life last week.
More than 4,000 residents of the British colony were evacuated from their homes on the southern side of the island on Wednesday, and were living in shelters and tents set up by the government.
The volcano in Chances Peak has lain dormant for some 100 years until last July, when it began belching ash and hot gases.
Since last Wednesday, a tooth shaped pillar of lava, which scientists term the "spine", has thrust upwards from within the crater.
