St. Vincent, Grenadines: Volcanic activity continues in the northern region of Saint Vincent Island, April 18 /update 4

Event

The La Soufriere volcano, located about 21 km (13 miles) north of Kingstown, continues to demonstrate activity with several explosive events in recent days. The recent increase in volcanic activity began April 9. The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in St Vincent and the Grenadines issued a statement April 17 noting that the alert level remains at red (very high hazard) for the north of St Vincent around the volcano. NEMO also indicated that thousands of people continue to be housed in private and public locations following the initial eruption and evacuations. As of April 18, no injuries or casualties have been reported as a result of the ongoing volcanic activity. 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.

Argyle International Airport (SVD) on St. Vincent is reportedly scheduled to reopen 16:00 April 19. James Mitchell Airport (BQU) is reportedly closed through April 19; it is not clear when it will reopen. At both sites, normal scheduled commercial flights are unlikely to resume fully in the coming days with humanitarian and emergency service flights likely given preference. Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) in Barbados reportedly reopened April 16. As of April 18, LIAT Airlines (LI) reportedly remains a flight suspension to and from Barbados, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Transport and Utilities
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. Additional 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. Power and supply disruptions are likely to persist in the immediate impact area in the coming days.

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