SCIENTISTS HAVE NOTED A CHANGE IN SEISMIC ACTIVITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE ONGOING ERUPTION OF THE LA SOUFRIÈRE VOLCANO
(By Ernesto Cooke) NEMO In its latest report says there have been no changes in activities at the La Soufriere Volcano over the past twenty-four hours.
In a press release on Thursday, the Organisation said Volcano tectonic earthquakes continue to be recorded beneath the volcano.
Their magnitude is such that they can be felt in villages such as Fancy, Owia, Point and Sandy Bay.
Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, on Friday morning, said monitoring is ongoing.
“The oozing of magma can continue, or the possibility is, you can have an explosive eruption”,— the Prime Minister stated.
Gonsalves said things are very uncertain at this point; however, the scientist and the team is continuing their work in investigating the recent activities.
The Prime Minister said amidst the uncertainty, Vincentians don’t have to “panic”, “we must not panic”.
“We don’t have to panic, just be calm, plan, and also in the various communities in the red zone on the Leeward and Windward, we should be on high alert, and this would mean individually that we have our bags packed with a few basic items”.
Gonsalves said the government had made arrangements with suppliers if the “worst comes to the worst”.
On Thursday, NEMO held a simulation exercise to ensure that all systems are in a state of readiness.
Seriousness Of A Volcanic Eruption
Prime Minister Gonsalves said the possibility of an eruption at La Soufriere is by itself a severe matter.
“It’s a matter of life and death; it’s a matter of public health and Economics”, he said.
The possibility of an eruption at La Soufriere arises in the context of a pandemic, Gonsalves said.
Gonsalves said it is vital that Vincentians in the red zone in this context, but he would want all citizens to take the vaccine.
“Please take the vaccine, especially the vulnerable ones, make sure you are taking precautions and get tested, the facilities are available”.
“If we have an eruption, a lot of people are going to be coming together”.
Gonsalves said that this type of gathering could give rise to a greater possible spread of the COVID virus.
“If we take the vaccine, we are going to be able to reduce the extent of transmission, and certainly of people getting seriously ill and dying”.
Gonsalves said now is not the time to pay attention to fake news, as science speaks to the vaccine’s safety and efficacy.
Latest Report From NEMO
There have been no changes in activities at the La Soufrière Volcano over the past twenty-four hours.
Volcano tectonic earthquakes continue to be recorded beneath the volcano and their magnitude is such that they can be felt in villages such as Fancy, Owia, Point and Sandy Bay.
The alert level remains at Orange. The National Emergency Management Organisation is reminding the public that no evacuation order or notice has been issued.
The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) is also encouraging residents especially persons living in communities close to the volcano to heighten their preparedness in the event that it becomes necessary to evacuate at short notice.
NEMO continues to appeal to the public to desist from visiting the La Soufrière Volcano, especially going into the crater, since doing so is extremely dangerous.
NEMO will continue to provide regular updates on all activities taking place at the La Soufrière.
