ST. VINCENT, Sun. Apr. 4, 2021– The La Soufriere volcano on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent has been dormant since 1979, but in late 2020, the volcano started to show signs of possible reactivation. On Friday, this once dormant volcano exploded on the island, causing statewide power outages and the cutoff of water supply. According to scientists, a series of eruptions may continue for weeks.
In the days leading up to the first eruption, the island had issued an evacuation order for the surrounding areas after seismologists warned of an imminent eruption. Royal Caribbean cruise line sent a cruise ship to the island to assist with evacuations. Monitoring stations from across the country reported long seismic movements (earthquakes), indicative of the movement of fresh magma attempting to surface. Reports also state that torrential rain in the Frigate Bay caused various landslides in the area.
This volcanic event left the Caribbean nation covered in a layer of ash and caused the displacement of approximately 16,000 people, who evacuated their homes in search of safety from the explosion.
St. Vincent’s National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) stated, “Pyroclastic flows at La Soufriere may cause possible destruction and devastation of communities close to [the] volcano. Current activity pattern similar to that of 1902 eruption.” The 1902 eruption is, to date, St. Vincent’s worst volcanic event. It caused the death of over 1,000 residents.
Since the onset of this event, neighboring Caribbean countries have come to St. Vincent’s aid. The Bajan Authorities have deployed the Barbados Defence Force to St. Vincent to render assistance to the devastated country. Antigua and Guyana offered to send supplies to the country and have opened their borders to those fleeing the effects of the explosion.
No casualties from the seismic event were recorded, but segments of the eastern Caribbean are greatly affected by the explosion of ashes from La Soufriere. Bajans and Vincentians are advised to stay indoors. Islands in the wider eastern Caribbean are advised to expect a decrease in air quality.