Immediate needs list - St Vincent & the Grenadines
by Daria Blackwell 15 Apr 2021 19:22 NZST
The Caribbean island of St Vincent was rocked by multiple explosive eruptions of La Soufrière volcano. National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) posted an immediate needs list.
Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes on the Caribbean island of St Vincent after a series of volcanic eruptions blanketed the island in smoke and ash. La Soufrière, which has been dormant for decades, first started showing volcanic activity in December. This week, four days short of the 42nd anniversary of its last eruption, it erupted violently sending ash high into the atmosphere. It has been reported that the ash cloud stretches as far east as Barbados.
Based on GOES16 IR Imagery, the latest explosive eruption of the La Soufrière volcano occurred near 1:00 AM on the 11th of April, coinciding with the time of an island-wide power outage. NEMO SVG has reported lightning, thunder and rumblings. The majority of the country is out of power and covered in ash. There is no potable water on the island as the ash has contaminated all the water supply. Animals left behind on farms are dying. Crops are covered in ash.
An urgent appeal for relief supplies has been issued by NEMO. See the pdf below.
Trinidad and Tobago Weather Centre reports that Saharan dust is reducing visibility in Trinidad and Tobago not ash from La Soufrière. Reports of an alert being issued for a possible underwater eruption in the vicinity of Grenada are false.
Ashfall Advisories are now in effect for Grenada and St Lucia while Ashfall Warnings are in effect for St Vincent and the Grenadines and Barbados as La Soufrière continues to erupt.
Update 12-04-21
Large explosive eruption at the La Soufriere volcano can be seen on the Martinique radar at approximately 4:15 am.
At about 3 pm UTC NEMO reports that "the volcano continues to erupt explosively and has now begun to generate pyroclastic density currents. Explosions and accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, are likely to continue to occur over the next few days. Dome collapse at La Soufriere, attempts will be made to rescue anyone still in Red Zone today. Time to bind ourselves together. This is no joke."
"According to the Scientists at SRC: "the domes have already been destroyed and ejected. The eruption cloud went into the atmosphere and then collapsed causing PDCs." So what we had is an eruption column collapse."
Soufriere Update
Nicola and Wilfred Outhouse Graphics | 13/04/2021
The Seismic Research Centre at UWI has just released their 6pm Scientific Update for today. NEMO has also just released their Soufriere.
Key points to note from the two updates/bulletins are:
• The pattern of seismic activity has changed again with the end of the episodes of high amplitude tremor now 2 - 8 hours apart.
• Three episodes of tremors have been recorded since 6am today - two lower-amplitude and one, at about 5pm, higher-amplitude
• The episodes continue to coincide with periods of enhanced venting or explosive activity.
• Reconnaissance of the entire north coast of SV - from Chateaubelair to Georgetown - was made with the assistance of the SVG Coastguard.
• It was observed that PDCs (pyroclastic flows) had descended several valleys on the southern and western flanks of the volcano and reached the sea in Morne Ronde, Larikai and Trois Loupes Bay.
• Extensive damage to vegetation was noted from Larikai Bay to Turner Bay on the west coast.
• No other areas along the coast had been affected by PDCs, but villages along the eastern coast had experienced heavy ashfall
• Explosions and accompanying ashfall of similar or greater magnitude are likely to continue to occur over the next few days, with a chance of further PDCs occurring
• Eighty-five shelters are now fully operational, with in excess of 3,782 occupants.
• Registration of persons who are sheltering with family or friends is ongoing.
• Alert level remains at RED
A satellite image of La Soufriere processed by Dr. Adam Stinton from an image taken by the Sentinel-1 satellite was published by the SRC earlier today (see attached). The image shows changes to the summit crater with a possible smaller vent inside the new crater. Pyroclastic flow deposits are indicated in the dark areas to the left of the crater.
How to donate to SVG Volcano Relief
Government of SVG Disaster Relief Fund: full details for wire transfer can be downloaded here.
Rise Up Bequia: This non-profit social organisation run entirely by young Bequia volunteers and community leaders, is conducting a drive to provide assistance in the provisioning of Shelters in St. Vincent. Full details can also downloaded directly here.
Through Consulate General to SVG in N. Ireland: Explanatory document with bank details can be downloaded directly here. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that help is being sought through various SVG Consulates and that this request is legitimate.
Through SVG High Commission in London: H.E Cenio Lewis, High Commissioner of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in London is working closely with the UK-SVG FRIENDSHIP TRUST to coordinate the various fundraising efforts by Vincentians living in the UK Diaspora. The UK-SVG Combined Response to La Soufriere Eruption has a GoFundMe page here. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed to us that this GoFundMe page has the full sanction of the SVG Government.
Action Bequia: Targeted, tax efficient donations be made via Action Bequia see here. Board Chair Lucille Cozier will allocate resources to best effect as the situation develops. Action Bequia has already committed EC$10,000 from its reserves in response to the list of urgent requirements as defined by NEMO for immediate life-supporting necessities.
Locally On Bequia: Bequia Tourism Association Rep. Shevy Pierre is organising a drive for personal hygiene items, toiletries etc for person in shelters for the coming weeks and perhaps months. Items an be delivered to the BTA office See ad page 3.
La Soufriere Relief Telethon, Tuesday 13th April 6.30 - 7.30pm (see attached). Hosted by Leader of the Opposition Dr. the Hon. Godwin Friday and the Hon. Patel Matthews - call 1 (784) 495-1651. To donate directly via Payswif see here. If you would like to share this information with others, we have compiled the key details in PDF format for your convenience - see attached. These details will also be included in Update 2 of Bequia This Week which will be published online tomorrow.
For those wishing to contribute to relief efforts by shipping supplies to SVG, the Gvt. has announced Duty and Tax-Free concessions on items shipped directly to a number of relief agencies, on all imported water, and on barrels - see attached.
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This article has been provided by the courtesy of Ocean Cruising Club.