By Prior Beharry
ST Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves orders the evacuation of the towns and villages in the northern part of St Vincent as activity in the La Soufriere volcano intensifies.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday he ordered the evacuation of all premises in the areas identified as the red zone in the northeast and northwest of St Vincent.
He said people and vehicles were also not allowed in these areas except for the purpose of effecting the evacuation.
The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (SRC) at 6.30 pm on Thursday stated, “Scientists have observed a significant increase in activity at La Soufriere volcano which has prompted the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines to raise the volcanic alert level at the La Soufriere volcano to Red.”
The SRC scientific team based at the Belmont Observatory in St Vincent recorded six separate bands of volcanic tremor throughout the day.
Watch video of the La Soufriere Summit by the UWI Seismic Research Centre:
It stated, “This type of seismic signal is usually associated with movement of magma and fluids close to the surface. Ash venting was also observed during the most recent tremor episode.
“The effusive eruption is continuing and an explosive phase of the eruption may begin with very little warning.”
SRC Geologist and Scientific Team Lead Prof Richard Robertson said, “We cannot give any clear warning that nothing can happen within the next 24 to 48 hours and we would not be surprised if there are explosions at the volcano during that period.”
Watch: Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves orders evacuation:
At alert level Red, the public is advised to urgently comply with directives issued by National Emergency Management Organisation.
Dr Gonsalves speaking on Trinidad and Tobago CNC3 television stated that 100 shelters have been activated where all Covid-19 protocols will be observed.
He said the country has sufficient AstraZeneca vaccines and will give the jab to all who need it.
Dr Gonsalves said cruise ships from Royal Caribbean and Carnival lines will arrive on Friday to take people to other Caribbean islands which have offered assistance. He said the cruise ships may also be able to keep people at sea for about two weeks and there were enough vaccines to inoculate the people boarding the cruise ships as is being requested.
