Caribbean, volcano erupts on the island of Saint Vincent: evacuated thousands of people

The Caribbean island of Saint Vincent woke up with the erupting volcano. Over 16.000 residents evacuated. Disaster is feared.

These are hours of anguish for the inhabitants of the Caribbean island of Saint Vincent, where a violent volcanic eruption has been underway since this morning. More than 16.000 people have been forced to flee their homes. The last eruptive activity of the La Soufriere volcano it dates back to 1979, but the memory of the largest eruption that caused further in 1902 is still alive 1000 victims.

At 8:41 am this morning 9-4-21 an explosive eruption began at La Soufrière volcano in St. Vincent. This is a culmination of the seismic activity that began on April 8. The eruption is ongoing and more information will be shared as things progress. #lasoufriere #uwi #volcano #svg pic.twitter.com/C2zWrjPcpP

— UWISeismic Research (@uwiseismic) April 9, 2021

The alert on the island was triggered last night, when seismologists recorded movements in the crater linked to the ascent of the magma. Thus, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves gave the evacuation order. "I have issued an evacuation order to all residents living in the red areas in the north east and north west of the island," Gonsalves announced on Twitter.

I have issued an evacuation order to all residents living in the RED ZONES on the North East and the North West of the island. All residents are asked to act accordingly with immediate effect to ensure their safety and that of their families. pic.twitter.com/AJQlCDtOPg

— Ralph Gonsalves (@ComradeRalph) April 8, 2021

Over 16.000 residents have left their homes. Several shipping companies have announced the dispatch of two cruise ships to assist the displaced, which have been taken to neighboring islands of Barbados and Saint Lucia. According to the national emergency management organization on the island, there is a risk of a disaster like that of 1902.

Font: Twitter/BBC