Volcano on Caribbean’s St Vincent erupts

St Vincent, Caribbean – A massive eruption rocked the La Soufriere volcano on the eastern Caribbean island of St Vincent on April 9th, 2021. Mandatory evacuation orders followed from the local government.

Emergency management officials stated the ash column rose approximately six kilometres (3.7 miles) high and that the ash was heading east into the Atlantic.

La Soufriere has remained dormant since 1979, but the volcano started showing signs of activity in December, emitting smoke and steam. That accelerated this week, prompting Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves to order an evacuation of the surrounding area late Thursday.

Heavy ashfall was also reported in communities surrounding the volcano.