LONDON, England – The Grantley Adams International Airport will remain closed until noon, Wednesday, April 14, due to the ongoing ash fall resulting from the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano in St Vincent, GAIA advised.
“During this period of airport closure, access to the airport will be limited to authorised, essential airport personnel. Passengers who have been affected as a result of this closure are asked to contact their respective airlines for alternative flight arrangements.”
British Nationals in the area should follow the advice of local authorities and can contact FCDO for consular assistance via phone 24/7on (+44) (0) 207 008 1500, and should sign up online for updates on FCDO Travel Advice for St Vincent and the Grenadines and for Barbados.
UK assists St Vincent and the Grenadines
Meanwhile, the UK is providing emergency assistance in response to volcanic eruptions in St Vincent and the Grenadines, which saw more than 15,000 people evacuated, said a press release from Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. On April 8, prime minister Ralph Gonsalves ordered an immediate evacuation of people living in the most at-risk areas on St Vincent island.
Explosions with pyroclastic density currents at La Soufriere
“The rapid crisis funds will help provide lifesaving humanitarian supplies like shelter, sanitation kits and protective equipment. Urgently needed technical experts will support relief efforts on the ground, support emergency telecommunications, and restore critical lifeline facilities, like transport links.
“The UK has provided an initial £200,000, via the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to support the regional response, through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), FCDO said in a press release. “The UK will continue to work with the CDEMA and other agencies to assess the need for further support.”
This video looks at pyroclastic flows.
