Antigua And Barbuda to experience poor quality of air later today

Antigua and Barbuda/ St Vincent and the Grenadines: La Soufriere volcano recorded the biggest ever eruption on Tuesday morning since it started exploding on Friday. The massive outburst is expected to cause ashfall and poor air quality in the neighbouring islands.

Reports have arrived that the air quality in Antigua and Barbuda could drastically diminish from midday today (April 13, 2021).

Also read: OECS conducts urgent meeting, discusses La Soufrière volcano crisis

This is as a result of the potential dust and ash from the La Soufrière volcano in Vincent and the Grenadines. Sulfur Dioxide is also expected between Tuesday midday and Wednesday afternoon.

While not initially forecast to affect our islands, a shift in wind direction has caused the outlook which may see health problems develop for extremely sensitive people.

The National Office of Disaster Services has advised people with existing respiratory issues should take extra precaution to avoid exposure.

Also read: Only vaccinated people will be evacuated to other islands: PM Gonsalves

NODS have advised people to remain indoors and only come out if it is of utmost importance. The poor quality of wind can be hazardous for people with respiratory diseases.

Besides Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados is also expriecing dirt, poor quality of air and other difficulties caused by the eruption of La Soufriere volcano.

People in St Vincent and the Grenadines are experiencing massive ashfall, electricity outage, rainfall, volcanic stone fall and more since Friday.

After the announcement by SVG Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, vaccination has been made mandatory for people who would be evacuated to the neighbouring islands.

Also read: St Vincent experiences electricity outage after Volcano eruption

Authorities have fastened their vaccination drives in St Vincent to immunize around 8,000 people on priority basis. While 12,000 are accommodated in shelters at St Vincent, the remaining will be taken to neighbouring islands on cruise ships.

Dominica has already declared free accommodation and internet facilities for evacuees from St Vincent. As per Dominican PM Roosevelt Skerrit, these evacuees would be accommodated for a period of four to five months.