Volcanic Eruption Forces Thousands To Evacuate The Caribbean

Posted by: Kyeyune Andrew Jonathan in World news April 10, 2021

The eastern Caribbean island of St. Vincent has seen a La Soufriere Mountain Volcanic eruption that occurred on Friday morning. The incident forced over 16,000 people from nearby homes to evacuate them for their own safety

Scientists have been monitoring volcanic eruption activity from the volcano for years and were able to alert the islanders in time to be able to evacuate. They communicated via the National Emergency Management Organization of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In some surrounding communities closest to the mountain, heavy ashfall and high plumes of smoke created low visibility. This reportedly disrupted and slowed down the evacuation process from the area, according to Prime Minister Ralph Gonzalves.

He further said that nearby islands, Grenada, Dominica, and Antigua as well as Barbuda would be ready to receive people from St. Vincent by Monday.

Cruise lines nearby agreed to send four large cruise ships after they got alerts about the eruption. This move was to support humanitarian efforts and also to evacuate the residents of St. Vincent.

On Thursday, ahead of the eruption, Royal Caribbean announced on Twitter that it would also be sending ships.

However, out of an abundance of caution, the Prime Minister said only those who have been vaccinated will be allowed on the ships. Each ship will accommodate up to 1,500 residents. They will take them to the neighbouring islands that have agreed to receive evacuees.

Thousands of the citizens have not received their vaccination yet and therefore stayed on land on Friday. However, the Prime Minister said they are staying at local hotels in safe zones.

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