By Prior Beharry
IN light of reports of intensifying activity at the La Soufriere Volcano in St Vincent and the Grenadines, nearby residents are being told to prepare to evacuate.
The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (SRC) stated that the situation appeared to be intensifying on its Facebook page on Thursday.
On Thursday, St Vincent Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves tweeted:
“The National Emergency Management Council has been activated as our country prepares for a possible disaster involving the La Soufriere volcano. The alert level remains orange, but we must be prepared in the event that an evacuation order is issued.”
By noon on Thursday, the steam and smoke were seen increasing at the dome of the volcano.
The SRC explained that the white low-lying cloud cover over the volcano was due to a sustained period of volcanic gases and steam being emitted from the dome which was carried westwards by the winds.
Nearby residents were encouraged to be prepared to evacuate at short notice. The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) still has not issued an evacuation order or notice.
NEMO stated that it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as it becomes necessary as the alert level remains at Orange.
Trinidad and Tobago Minister of National Security Stuart Young has spoken to Dr Gonsalves offering assistance to St Vincent.
A release on Thursday stated, “Minister Young has instructed the Acting Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier General Dexter Francis, to have members of the T&T Defence Force on standby to provide any assistance to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines that may be necessary.
“The Government of T&T will continue to monitor the situation and stay in touch with the authorities in St Vincent and the Grenadines.”
