Eruptions Shoot Ash Over Island

Two volcanic eruptions shot ash billowing like a gray carpet over this small Caribbean island Monday before winds pushed it out to sea.

The first of the afternoon eruptions rivaled in size a Saturday eruption that rocketed ash 30,000 to 40,000 feet high, the biggest since the volcano came to life July 18 after centuries of dormancy. The second eruption followed a half-hour later.

Children stopped playing and adults stepped outside homes and businesses to look at the dark clouds roiling overhead.

On April 3, an ash eruption forced authorities to evacuate the southern half of this 39-square-mile British colony for the third time since July. The evacuated area, which includes Plymouth, the capital, could receive lethal doses of super-heated gas, rock and ash from the volcano, scientists warn.