St. Vincent, Grenadines: Evacuations in north of Saint Vincent Island continue due to volcanic activity, April 12 /update 2

Event

Evacuations are ongoing in northern and central areas of Saint Vincent Island April 12, following additional eruptions of the La Soufriere volcano. La Soufriere is located about 21 km (13 miles) north of Kingstown. Explosive eruptions have been occurring since early April 9. The resulting plume is continuing to move eastward, and ashfall from the eruptions has been reported on the islands of Saint Lucia and Barbados.

Prior to the eruption, authorities ordered the evacuation of the designated "Red Zone" (very high hazard area) around the volcano; the Red Zone encompasses approximately the northern third of Saint Vincent Island, including the villages of Morneronde, Richmond, Walliabou, Georgetown, and Langley Park. The government subsequently called on residents in the "Orange Zone" (high hazard area) further south to evacuate following the initial eruption. Towns in the Orange Zone include Colonarie, Chateaubelair, and Troumaca. Close to 20,000 people had been evacuated as of early April 12. All land vehicles and maritime vessels not participating in the evacuation effort are prohibited from the affected areas. Additional eruptions could cause low-level seismic activity, ash clouds, and landslides in the surrounding area. La Soufriere could emit frequent gas and ash clouds over the coming days.

According to an advisory released by the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), safe areas include locations from North Union to Kingston on the Windward side of Saint Vincent, and Barouallie to Kingston on the Leeward side of the island; the Grenadine Islands are also within the safe zone.

Transport and Utilities
Plan for possible transport disruptions in the surrounding area, especially if further significant eruptive events occur. Road conditions could quickly deteriorate during periods of significant ashfall and visibility could be reduced. Officials might close roads near the volcano depending on the presence of hazardous volcanic material. Fine particulate matter ejected from the volcano could pose a hazard to flights in the surrounding airspace; authorities might temporarily close additional airport facilities if significant ashfall accumulations occur. As of April 12, the airspace around Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is closed due to the ash plume. The Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) in Barbados will remain closed until at least 12:00 AST April 14. Ash may also affect airport operations in nearby islands. LIAT Airlines (LI) has canceled all flights to/from Barbados, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, and Grenada through at least April 12. Additionally, reports indicate power and water supply disruptions across Saint Vincent. Authorities in Barbados have closed all retail businesses through at least April 12.

Health
Volcanic activity may impact air quality in the surrounding area. Air quality could become a concern, particularly in areas near the crater, following an explosive event. Individuals in the region - especially those with underlying pulmonary conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancer - may experience difficulty breathing and could suffer from lower tolerance to physical exertion.

Advice

Strictly comply with all evacuation orders and other instructions issued by authorities. Confirm flights if a large eruption occurs. Plan for possible transportation disruptions in the coming days. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving; due to reduced visibility, drive cautiously in areas affected by ash. Carry facemasks and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation if operating in the affected area.

Resources

SVG National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO)
Caribbean Airlines
LIAT Airlines