Experts have warned that the Caribbean island of St Vincent is likely to see further volcanic eruptions and ash fall over the coming days.
The 4,000-ft La Soufrière volcano erupted on Friday, transforming the island’s lush towns into a gloomy, grey landscape.
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Despite ash spreading as far as Barbados, no reports of injury have been reported.
“The volcano continues to erupt explosively with the production of copious amounts of ash,” the University of the West Indies’ Seismic Research Center said.
“Explosions and accompanying ash fall, of similar or larger magnitude, are likely to continue to occur over the next few days impacting St Vincent and neighbouring islands,” it warned.
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An operation is underway to temporarily re-house people in the neighbouring islands of St. Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, and Antigua.
However, only residents and tourists who have had the Covid-19 vaccination are allowed onboard the cruise ships to evacuate, the prime minister reportedly said in a press conference.
“The chief medical officer would be identifying the persons already vaccinated so that we can get them on the ship,” Ralph Gonsalves said.
“If people are willing to welcome you at a time of COVID-19, they will wish you to have the highest level of protection possible.”
The eruption on Friday has left the island with a strong smell of sulphur as power and water cuts are reported across the nation.
