Photo: Courtesy of @SergioL 

Volcanic-Related Earthquakes Subside, but Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Remains at Alert Level Orange

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) of the government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines issued the following statement on March 27, 2021, concerning La Soufrière Volcano and the earthquakes that were felt in villages such as Fancy, Owia, Point, and Sandy Bay: "The period of elevated volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes that began on March 23, 2021, stopped on March 26, 2021. Since then, the only seismic activity being recorded is small low-frequency events associated with the dome's growth. These kinds of events were dominant before March 23, 2021" (nemo.gov.vc).  

According to NEMO, the new dome continues to grow towards the Leeward and Windward sides of the volcano, with the most active gas emissions being at the top of the new dome and the contact areas between the pre-existing 1979 and 2020/21 domes (nemo.gov.vc). The dome has nearly doubled in size since February 12, 2021.  

Since late December 2020, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have been under a level Orange "Highly Elevated" Volcanic La Soufrière's increased activity. The Orange Alert is signaled when there is a highly Hazard Alert due to an elevated level of seismicity or fumarolic activity or both, with eruptions possibly occurring with less than 24-hour notice (thecaribbeannews.com). 

While an evacuation order has NOT been issued, NEMO is encouraging residents, especially those living in communities close to the volcano, to be prepared in the event that it becomes necessary to evacuate on short notice. 

NEMO also warns not to visit La Soufrière and cautions especially against going into the crater since doing so would be extremely dangerous. 

If there is a volcanic eruption, NEMO advises the following:  

• If indoors, close all windows and doors 
• If outdoors, seek shelter 
• Avoid low-lying areas 
• Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants 
• Use goggles to protect your eyes 
• Wear dust masks 
• Stay out of volcano areas 

Alerts, emergency shelters, and regular updates from NEMO on all activities taking place at La Soufrière can be found at http://nemo.gov.vc/nemo/ and https://www.facebook.com/nemosvg/.  

Sources:  

nemo.gov.vc 

thecaribbeannews.com