By Caribbean News Global contributor
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent — La Soufriere recovery could take years, while history could be a guide as residence recover from shortages of water and basic supplies. The embassies of Cuba and Venezuela in Saint Lucia are making a positive impact on humanitarian assistance.
St Lucia: A bridge for Venezuelan and Cuban humanitarian assistance to St Vincent and the Grenadines
Agriculture and livelihoods are in peril and a food security alert has been issued in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Minister of agriculture, Saboto Caesar, calculated the local agricultural losses at more than $150 million.
Food security alert issued in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
However, social and economic assistance is receiving sustained support from regional and international networks.
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission launched the “Stronger Together Campaign” as an official emergency response on behalf of the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Individuals and corporations are invited to donate here.
OECS Commission launches “Stronger Together Campaign” to support St Vincent and the Grenadines
The Afya Foundation, JetBlue and the Commission of the OECS, announced that they are working together to deliver much-needed relief supplies to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
“The first in a series of shipments arrived in Saint Lucia on Friday, April 23, via JetBlue, for immediate onward shipment to St Vincent. The relief supplies include urgently needed items such as face masks, face shields, blankets, gloves, isolation gowns and adult diapers. The OECS Commission expresses its sincerest appreciation to the Afya Foundation for sending USD$ 206,000 worth of medical supplies that include adult diapers, face masks and PPE gear. In particular, masks that may be helpful for people with respiratory problems in the face of the volcanic ash in the air,” the OECS said in a release Monday.
La Soufrière, St Vincent Scientific update – 26/04/21 6:00 pm
- Seismic activity at La Soufrière, St Vincent has been low after the tremor associated with the explosion and ash venting around noon on 22 April.
- Only a few long-period, hybrid and volcano-tectonic earthquakes were recorded and there was no further tremor.
- An observation flight took place today in a fixed-wing aircraft at about 11:30 am. Visibility was poor, with clouds blocking the crater for much of the time.
- White steam could be seen venting near-continuously from several locations on the crater floor. No dome was visible, although a spine could be seen through the clouds.
- The volcano continues to erupt. Its pattern of seismic activity over the last few days is typical of the growth and destruction of lava domes. Explosions with accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, can restart with little or no warning.
- The volcano is at alert level Red.
