The latest update from UWI Seismic Research Centre at 6am this morning (Thursday 15th April 2021) notes that La Soufrière Volcano continues to erupt explosively and generate Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDCs). These are hot (200°C - 700°C), ground-hugging flows of ash and debris.

The Volcano’s current pattern of explosions appears to be episodic (stop-start) with increasing periods between eruptions and less
energy. The scene in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has been described as resembling a “battle zone” since the first eruption of La Soufrière Volcano on 9th April 2021.

According to the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), nearly 7,000 persons are in shelters across SVG as of 10pm last night - 4,117 in public shelters and 2,875 in private shelters.

Meanwhile, health authorities in SVG are concerned about a possible outbreak of COVID-19 in evacuation centers.

La Soufrière Scientific Update 15/04/21 - 6am

1. Seismic activity at La Soufrière continued to follow the established pattern with bands of tremor about between thirteen (13) and fifteen (15) hours apart separated by swarms of small long-period earthquakes.

2. The latest band of tremor started at about 2:30am and was associated with increased venting.

3. The Volcano continues to erupt explosively and has now begun to generate Pyroclastic Density Currents - hot (200°C - 700°C), ground-hugging flows of ash and debris.

4. Its current pattern of explosions appears to be episodic (stop-start) with increasing periods between eruptions and less energy.

5. Explosions and accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, are likely to continue to occur over the next few days impacting Saint Vincent and neighbouring islands.

6. The Volcano is at alert level Red.

La Soufrière Scientific Update 14/04/21 - 6pm

1. Seismic activity at La Soufrière, Saint Vincent continued to follow the pattern established yesterday.

2. Bands of tremor about fourteen (14) hours apart, separated by swarms of small, long-period (LP) earthquakes.

3. The latest band of tremor occurred at about 11:35am and, as before, was associated with an episode of explosive activity.

4. The explosions produced were gas-rich and did not rise as energetically as previous explosions.

5. No Pyroclastic Density Currents were produced.

6. The Volcano continues to erupt explosively and has now begun to generate Pyroclastic Density Currents.

7. Its current pattern of explosions appears to be episodic (stop-and-go) with longer periods between explosions and less energy.

8. Explosions and accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, are likely to continue to occur over the next few days.

Another large explosion occurred at La Soufrière Volcano in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) at approximately 10:48pm last night (Tuesday 13th April 2021). Pyroclastic flows were observed heading down the Eastern side of La Soufrière.

​Pyroclastic flows (aka Pyroclastic Density Currents - PDCs) or surges are NOT lava flows, according to UWI Seismic Research Centre. They are moving mixtures of ash, rock fragments and produced by an gas eruption. They travel down valleys and cause total devastation.

To commemorate its 42nd anniversary yesterday since the 1979 eruption, La Soufrière had another explosive episode, beginning at 6:30am.

Get out if you can, Professor Richard Robertson told residents in the Red Zone to “get out of you can” this morning, in view of the pyroclastic flows which have been heading towards the East. “It's not a good way to go,” he warned. “Don't put others at risk. Now is the chance.”

Meanwhile, SVG Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, told people this morning who are still in La Soufriere's Red Zone, “For heaven's sake, leave. Do not risk anymore of your life and limb."

La Soufrière Scientific Update 14/04/21 - 6am

1. Seismic activity at La Soufrière, Saint Vincent showed a similar pattern to yesterday.

2. Small long-period earthquakes continued to gradually increase in number after the explosive activity at 6:30am on 13th April 2021.

3. These continued until another episode of explosive activity started at 8:30pm on 13th April 2021.

4. This generated continuous seismic tremor which lasted for four (4) to five (5) hours.

5. After the tremor had died down, small, long-period earthquakes were again recorded, again slowly growing in numbers.

6. The explosions which occurred pulsed for >40 minutes and produced Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDCs) which appear to have gone down valleys that drain towards the Rabacca River on the East coast of the island.

7. PDCs are hot (200°C - 700°C), ground-hugging flows of ash and debris.

8. Lahars (mudflows) were reported in the Sandy Bay Area on 13th April 2021.

9. The Volcano continues to erupt explosively and has now begun to generate Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDCs).

10. Its current pattern of explosions appears to be episodic (stop-and-go).

11. Over the past twenty-four (24) hours, the time between each explosion has increased.

12. Explosions and accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, are likely to continue to occur over the next few days impacting Saint Vincent and neighbouring islands such as Barbados, Grenada, Saint Lucia.

13. The Volcano is at alert level Red.

14. Visit the International Volcanic Hazard Health Network for volcanic ash information resources: www.ivhhn.org/information.

La Soufrière Scientific Update 13/04/21 - 6pm

1. Seismic activity changed with the explosive activity at 6:30am on 13th April 2021. Prior to the explosion, long-period (LP) earthquakes had been increasing in number.

2. Categorized as a Vulcanian explosion, it was accompanied by larger seismic tremor which was followed by over three (3) hours of smaller continuous seismic tremor.

3. Vulcanian explosions are small to moderate explosive eruptions, lasting seconds to minutes. Ash columns can be up to 20 Km in height and Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDCs) can be generated.

4. The explosions pulsed for ~30 minutes and produced PDCs that reached the sea at the mouth of the Wallibou approximately 6 Km from the Volcano.

5. Once this tremor had died down, LP earthquakes were recorded, again slowly growing in numbers, but are significantly smaller than those prior to the 6:30am explosion.

6. Eyewitness account of this flow indicated that it had extended further into the sea when it reached the coastline.

7. Observations made this afternoon from the coastline indicate that PDCs resulting from this morning and have reached the sea in every valley extending from Larikai to Wallibou.

8. The Volcano continues to erupt explosively and has now begun to generate Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDCs). Explosions and accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, are likely to continue to occur over the next few days.

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) is advising the public that with the ongoing eruption at the La Soufrière Volcano in Saint Vincent, there are still no official, confirmed reports of ash in Trinidad and Tobago.

In its second official statement, released today (Tuesday 13th April 2021), the Met Office said the wind regime is changing and the plume is migrating to the East of our islands, but in the upper layers of the atmosphere. The probability of ashfall is still low (20%) but there can be the presence of very fine ash particles within the next thirty-six (36) to forty-eight (48) hours in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Met Office notes that this ash may not be highly discernable as there is still a moderate concentration of Saharan dust in our atmosphere. Despite this, the TTMS maintains that all precautionary measures should be taken by the relevant stakeholders and persons with health concerns. “We will continue to closely monitor this and any related weather phenomena which may affect Trinidad and Tobago and will issue any warranted alerts in a timely manner.”

Forty-two (42) years ago today in 1979, La Soufrière Volcano erupted in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). To commemorate its 42nd anniversary, La Soufrière had another explosive episode this morning (Tuesday 13th April 2021), beginning at 6:30am.

​According to Professor Richie Robertson, the latest explosion is not as energetic as previous ones. The Professor notes that classic Vulcanian eruptions are possible over the next few days. There was a huge explosion at La Soufrière yesterday morning at 4:15am. Dome collapse and pyroclastic flows were observed along the valleys on the Eastern and Western coast.

​Pyroclastic flows (aka Pyroclastic Density Currents - PDCs) or surges are NOT lava flows, according to UWI Seismic Research Centre. They are moving mixtures of ash, rock fragments and produced by an gas eruption. They travel down valleys and cause total devastation.

Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, revealed this morning that there are still a number of persons who refuse to evacuate.

​The scene in SVG has been described as resembling a “battle zone” since the first eruption of La Soufrière Volcano on Friday (9th April 2021).

La Soufrière Scientific Update 13/04/21 - 6am

NOTE: This update was prepared prior to an explosion which occurred at 6:30am local time.

1. Seismic activity at La Soufrière, Saint Vincent continued the pattern established yesterday, with short bands of continuous seismic tremor interspersed with long-period earthquakes.

2. Following the latest band of tremor, at 1:30am, the long-period earthquakes have steadily become more frequent.

3. Audible venting was heard associated with some periods of tremor and long-period earthquake activity.

4. The Volcano continues to erupt explosively and has now begun to generate pyroclastic density currents - hot (200°C - 700°C), ground-hugging flows of ash and debris.

5. Explosions and accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, are likely to continue to occur over the next few days impacting Saint Vincent and neighbouring islands.

6. The Volcano is at alert level Red.

7. Visit the International Volcanic Hazard Health Network for information and resources on living with Volcanic ash - www.ivhhn.org/information.

La Soufrière Scientific Update 12/04/21 - 6pm

1. The pattern of seismic activity changed again, with the end of the episodes of high-amplitude tremor, two (2) - eight (8) hours apart.

2. Three (3) episodes of tremor have been recorded since 6am, two (2) of them lower-amplitude and the third, at about 5pm, was high-amplitude.

3. The episodes continue to coincide with periods of enhanced venting or explosive activity.

4. A reconnaissance of the entire north coast of Saint Vincent from Chateaubelair to Georgetown with assistance from the Coast Guard.

5. Observations made indicate that Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDCs) had descended several valleys on the Southern and Western flanks of the Volcano and had reached the sea at Morne
Ronde, Larikai and Trois Loupes Bay.

6. Extensive damage to vegetation was noted in an area extending from Larikai Bay to Turner Bay on the West coast.

7. No other areas along the coast had been affected by PDCs but villages located on the Eastern flank of the Volcano had been
affected by heavy ashfall.

8. Explosions and accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, are likely to continue to occur over the next few days with the chance of PDCs occurring.

This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) is advising the public that with the ongoing eruption at La Soufrière Volcano in Saint Vincent, there are no official, confirmed reports of ash in Trinidad and Tobago.

In an official statement this afternoon (Monday 12th April 2021), the Met Office said the current wind regime is inhibiting the deposition of ash in Trinidad and Tobago and although the probability of significant impacts from ashfall is low (20%) at this time, “there is a potential for this to increase with evolving environmental conditions.” In this regard, the TTMS said it is advising of this potential hazard as a “precautionary measure, only to inform the relevant stakeholders and persons with health concerns.”

The Met Office concluded by saying, “We will continue to closely monitor this and any related weather phenomena which may affect Trinidad and Tobago and will issue any warranted alerts in a timely manner.”

A huge explosion was reported at La Soufrière Volcano at approximately 4:15am this morning (Monday 12th April 2021) in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). The ash cloud appeared to reach an altitude of approximately 17 Km (55,000 feet). The explosion was also visible on the Martinique radar, according to the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO).

The Volcano continues to erupt explosively and has now begun to generate Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDC). Explosions and accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, are likely to continue to occur over the next few days.

​The scene in SVG has been described as resembling a “battle zone” since the first eruption of La Soufrière Volcano on Friday (9th April 2021).

Following this morning’s explosion, dome collapse and pyroclastic flows were observed along the valleys on the Eastern and Western coast. Pyroclastic flows (aka Pyroclastic Density Currents - PDC) or surges are NOT lava flows, according to UWI Seismic Research Centre. They are moving mixtures of ash, rock fragments and produced by an gas eruption. They travel down valleys and cause total devastation.

Attempts will be made today to rescue anyone still in Red Zone.

Ash particles can be breathed into lungs. They can cause runny nose, sore throat, hacking cough, wheezing or shortness of breath.

La Soufrière Eruption Scientific Update 12/04/21 - 6am

1. Explosions with pyroclastic density currents at La Soufrière.

2. Since Midday on 11th April 2021, the time between episodes of high-amplitude tremor has lengthened from 1.5 - 4 hours to 5 - 8 hours.

3. The episodes continue to coincide with periods of enhanced venting or explosive activity.

4. Small Volcano-tectonic earthquakes were recorded starting at about 6pm on 11th April 2021.

5. At about 4:15am, observations from the Belmont Observatory indicated that pyroclastic density currents (PDC) entered multiple valleys surrounding the Volcano.

6. Pyroclastic density currents are hot (200°C - 700°C), ground-hugging flows of ash and debris.

7. Analysis of satellite imagery and comparison with previous images indicate that the
explosive eruptions thus far have destroyed the pre-existing domes (1979 and 2020-21).

8. The current explosions are being generated from a new vent.

9. The volcano continues to erupt explosively and has now begun to generate pyroclastic density currents.

10. Explosions and accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, are likely to
continue to occur over the next few days.

11. Visit the International Volcanic Hazard Health Network for volcanic ash information resources:
www.ivhhn.org/information10

La Soufrière Eruption Scientific Update 11/04/21 - 6pm

1. Seismic activity at La Soufrière, Saint Vincent continued the pattern that began yesterday.

2. The seismic network recorded short episodes of high-amplitude seismic tremor, each lasting around 20 minutes and with gaps between them from one (1) to six (6) hours.

3. The episodes appeared to coincide with periods of enhanced venting or explosive activity. The background level of seismic tremor between the episodes has been increasing slowly since about 10:30am.

4. Steaming in the upper parts of the Rabacca valley was observed at about Midday. Investigation of the cause of this phenomena is currently being investigated.

5. The Volcano continues to erupt explosively with the production of copious amounts of ash.

6. Explosions and accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, are likely to continue to occur over the next few days, impacting Saint Vincent and neighbouring islands.

7. Visit the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network’s online platforms for information and resources on Volcanic ash precautions.