Update on Volcano: Swarms of small, long-period (LP) earthquakes felt

UWI Seismic Research Institute reported that Seismic activity at La Soufrière, St Vincent continued to follow the pattern established recently. It stated that bands of tremor about 14 hours apart, separated by swarms of small, long-period (LP) earthquakes, were experienced.

The research centre stated that the latest band of tremor occurred at about 11:35 am and, as before, was associated with an episode of explosive activity. The explosions produced were gas-rich and did not rise as energetically as previous explosions.

As per the Seismic Research Institute, no pyroclastic density currents were produced till 9 pm; however, the volcano continued to erupt explosively and begun to generate pyroclastic density currents later at night.

"Its current pattern of explosions appears to be episodic (stop-and-go) with longer periods between explosions and less energy," added UWI Seismic Research Institute.

Furthermore, it stated that explosions and accompanying ashfall of similar or larger magnitude are likely to continue to occur over the next few days.

National Emergency Management Organisation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (NEMO) advised people to protect their home after ashfall by minimizing the ash that enters from entering by closing windows and doors, using damp towels or plastic sheeting to seal any gaps, and turning off air conditioners.

It also asked people to stay indoors, if possible, but in case people intend to go outside, they must wear a mask, protect their eyes and minimize skin exposure to ash.

The La Soufriere volcano continues to erupt from past six days, drenching the island of St Vincent and the Grenadines in volcanic ash. So far no loss of life have been recorded as the evacuation process was completed before the massive eruption of the volcano