Two years ago, after nearly 400 centuries of dormancy, the sleeping Soufriere Hills volcano awoke to wreak havoc on the once "pastoral paradise'' of Montserrat.

Since its "awakening'' in July 1995, this British colony has been continually plagued by eruptions.

Volcanic activity has devastated vast areas of the island's southern half, causing the deaths of 19 people.

And Bermuda Health Care Services' Sonia Meade can relate all too well to the "great sense of loss and sadness'' that Montserratians are experiencing.

Approximately two-thirds of the original 11,000 inhabitants have fled the tormented island in search of work and new homes throughout Britain and the Caribbean.

The majority of the remaining 4,000 residents have been evacuated from the southern end -- where the volcano is located -- to the northern "safe zone''.

But with the latest eruptions, these residents are left to wonder just how safe they really are.

For the past several days, the volcano has expelled monumental columns of superheated rocks, ash and gas reaching 10,000 feet into the air.

Such explosions have resulted in showers of pebble-sized debris to rain on areas previously considered beyond the volcano's range.

In Salem, these showers forced hundreds to flee their homes in order to escape the burning hot cascades of ash and rock.

Plymouth, the capital, began its downfall on Monday when it was set ablaze and left to burn dangerously -- the aftermath of three pyroclastic avalanches.

As lava flowed into the heart of the city, recognised landmarks fell prey to the volcano's wrath.

Among the scores of buildings consumed by fire were the new Government Headquarters, Police Headquarters, and the Texaco station.

Montserrat's heartache is being felt around the world as it continues to drift deeper into despair as the days go by.

Dr. Meade is currently living in Bermuda and working as a locum; however, the distressed island of Montserrat is her one true home.

Dr. Meade's husband and children visited Bermuda last week before returning to Montserrat to reunite with other immediate family members.

Although she has not lost any close friends or family since the ordeal began, Dr. Meade "feels deeply for those who have''.

Having been in Montserrat for the June 25 eruption, Dr. Meade said: "I know what the past was like so I can just imagine what it's like now that things are getting even worse.'' To sum up her emotions, Dr. Meade posed the question: "How would you feel if you knew your homeland was quickly being destroyed and there was nothing you could do about it?'' Nevertheless, the UK still holds out hope for the future of the island.

Britain's International Development Secretary Clare Short announced that the UK plans to carefully redevelop the areas unaffected by the volcano.

Scientists have advised the colony that approximately 15 to 16 square miles in the north are safe, leaving the opportunity for housing and industrial development.

Britain has donated 37 million ($60 million) to assist Montserrat during the last year, including 7 million to help build emergency shelters and a hospital.

But after having spent her whole life there, Dr. Meade said the disastrous effects hit even harder. "We (Montserratians) are losing our homeland,'' she lamented. "We just have to take it one day at a time.'' DEMOLISHED -- This once-bustling village turned into a ghost-town after volcanic lava flows left behind a devastating blanket of ash.