UPDATE:  Subsequent explosive eruptions occurred at 2:45 p.m.  and once again around 6:35 pm local time on April 09, 2021. The University of the West Indies (UWI) Seismic Research Centre has indicated that the ongoing eruption has generated ash fall throughout the island of St. Vincent and in neighbouring islands such as Barbados.

Original Post –

At 8:41 am this morning (April 09, 2021) La Soufrière volcano located in St. Vincent and the Grenadines had an explosive eruption. 

Reports from the University of the West Indies (UWI) Seismic Research Centre have stated that “ash has begun to fall on the flanks of the volcano and surrounding communities including Chateaubelair and Petite Bordel”.

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in St. Vincent also stated  an ash plume extending 20000 feet is currently extending east into the Atlantic Ocean.

NEMO’s latest La Soufrière Bulletin issued at 9:00 am stated:

1. Scientists at the Belmont Observatory confirmed that there was an explosive eruption at the La Soufriere Volcano at 8.40 this morning.

2. Ash plumes of up to 8 km were observed.

3. Ash fall has been recorded at the Argyle International Airport

4. All persons in the red volcano hazard zone are asked to evacuate immediately

An evacuation order was issued yesterday for residents and a “red alert” declared after several days of increased volcanic and seismic activity.

The volcano recently began showing activity in December 2020 when a new dome formed in side the crater.

Soufriere Volcano Facts

1. La Soufrière is the youngest volcanic centre on St. Vincent. It is a stratovolcano and occupies the northernmost third of the island

2. The volcano last erupted in April 1979 with no casualties. Previous violent eruptions occurred in 1718, 1812 and 1902. The 1902 eruption killed 1,680 people.

3. There are Soufrière Volcanoes located on the Caribbean islands of St. Lucia, Guadeloupe and Montserrat 

4. Soufrière Hills in Montserrat has erupted continuously since 1995, destroying the capital of Plymouth and killing at least 19 people in 1997.

For further real time updates and information on volcanic hazards and health issues please visit: The University of the West Indies (UWI) Seismic Research Centre The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in St. Vincent  and The Grenadines The International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN)