The United Nations will launch a US$29.2 million global funding appeal to help those affected by the eruptions of the La SoufrieÌre volcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and other impacted countries.

The eruptions of the La SoufrieÌre volcano are expected to displace close to 20,000 persons with over 12,700 evacuees now registered in public shelters and in private homes. Entire villages have been covered in ashes, buildings damaged , schools and businesses closed, crops and livestock destroyed, and residents left with limited access to clean drinking water. Further eruptions are expected in the coming weeks.

Funding raised will provide immediate lifesaving humanitarian aid including cash assistance and clean water, and support a sustainable recovery, including through repairs to homes and support for livelihoods. The UN and partners will also assess the economic, social, and environmental impact on countries affected by the volcano, supporting with ash removal and improving environmental health conditions. Another priority is to continue preventing the spread of COVID-19.

The appeal will be launched on Tuesday 20 April, 9.30 AST by the UN Resident Coordinator, Didier Trebucq, alongside Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and Regis Chapman, Head of Caribbean Sub-regional Office for WFP and Aloys Kamuragiye, Representative  of UNICEF Barbados and Eastern Caribbean. It will be  supported by other UN agencies participating by distance – UN Women, UNFPA, PAHO, IOM, UNESCO, UNDP, FAO, UNOPS , UNEP,OCHR.  Director General of the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States, Didacus Jules, as well as Executive Director of Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Elizabeth Riley, will also join the launch in support of the appeal.

This will be followed by a virtual press encounter at 11:00 a.m. AST, with the Resident Coordinator and Prime Minister Gonsalves, moderated by the Secretary-General’s Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.