Volcano Eruption: PM Gonsalves issues evacuation orders effective immediately

Prime Minister of St Vincent and Grenadines have issued evacuation orders effective immediately in the red-zone areas.

Friday, 9th April 2021

Latest images released by UWI Seismic Research

Prime Minister of St Vincent and Grenadines have issued evacuation orders effective immediately in the red-zone areas. The orders have been released due to the possible eruption of an active volcano on the island. PM Ralph Gonsalves stated in a video statement that the evacuation order is issued for all residents living in the red zones on the Northeast and Northwest of the island. He asked all residents to act accordingly with quick effect to ensure their safety and that of their families.

https://twitter.com/ComradeRalph/status/1380279820928552960

Acting on warnings of NEMA Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves stated that he is acting on the information of the island's emergency management office, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO). NEMO had switched the island's alert level to red after days of seismic motion and advised there is a "strong possibility of disaster." Evacuation starts National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) reported that a Royal Caribbean cruise-liner shortly arrived after the evacuation orders to assist in the evacuation process in St Vincent and the Grenadines. However, it is yet unclear where the people have been taken for their safety. Evacuation by land and sea continues in preparation for an explosive eruption of La Soufriere Volcano. The MV Gem Star is also approaching the Chateaubelair jetty on the Leeward side of the island to pick up residents and transport them to safety. The SVG Coastguard is also on its way to Chateaubelair, added NEMO. The only active volcano La Soufriere is the only active volcano on St Vincent and is situated at the highest peak on the island at 1,234 meters (4,049 feet) tall. The volcano had previously exploded five times since 1718, with one outburst in May 1902, killing 1,680 people.

https://twitter.com/uwiseismic/status/1380293715349143554

Fiery in the dark National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) stated that a more fiery and glowing appearance of the volcano would be seen as it gets darker by night.