St. Vincent's La Soufriere Volcano Update
The situation has worsened in St. Vincent and the Grenadines after another eruption has left the island covered in ash.
Yesterday Friday, April 9, 2021, UWI Seismic Research Centre stated that seismicity increased since the initial explosion “with a swarm of earthquakes lasting until 2:40 pm”. Three explosions took place during the day.
One citizen has described the atmosphere stating, “It’s like snow outside …and I’m in what is considered safe zone.”
Another stated, “Seems like I’m in a different land right now.”
People are said to be looting homes.
Some persons are unable to locate their family members. One young lady stated that she contacted the Georgetown police station to seek assistance to locate her father and was told “We cannot assist you”.
There has also been reports of persons being refused from shelters because they have not been vaccinated.
Residents are in a state of panic. The roads are cracking, and the ash and smoke are so thick that persons are having difficulty seeing. The ash and smoke are even visible in the designated safe zones.
About 20,000 residents have been evacuated. Most of these residents have been placed in cruise ships docked in the harbour. Some evacuees have been taken to nearby islands such as Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, and Grenada.
Direct Relief responded to the crisis on Thursday, discussing medical needs and support with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Approximately 8-pallet delivery of medical aid is intended for St. Vincent’s Ministry of Health. The shipment contains an assortment of emergency supplies, including respiratory medications, N95 masks, burn creams, cots, first aid kits, hygiene items, and two Direct Relief wildfire kits.
The medical team from Barbados Defense Force, which received a shipment of supplies from Direct Relief in March, is preparing for deployment to St. Vincent.
Liz Myke
Reporter
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