The roof of a destroyed building protrudes from the layers of rock, mud and ash from a pyroclastic flow which descended on the island's former capital in the volcanic eruption of 1995. The Soufriere Hills volcano began erupting in July 1995, and remained active through the subsequent decade. Up to 7,000 of the 10,500 inhabitants have been evacuated from the island, while other residents have been moved to the northernmost areas. The southern region affected by the eruption is designated out of bounds to everyone except scientists.