By Demion McTair. Updated 2:22 p.m., Monday, April 19, 2021, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Nearly 13,000 people have been displaced since the government announced a mandatory evacuation of the Red Zone on April 8, due to increased volcanic activity.
The La Soufriere volcano began erupting explosively on April 9, 2021, after months of effusive eruptions which began on December 27, 2020.
At present, 12,775 people are displaced. Some 6,208 people are in public shelters, while 6,567 people are in private shelters/residences.
There has been a marked increase in the number of displaced people in private shelters because people in that category continue to register with the National Emergency Management Organization – NEMO.
There have been no casualties resulting from the eruptions.
Widespread infrastructural damage has been reported in Red Zone communities and the other zones (Orange, Yellow, and Green) continue to battle with cleaning ash.
The main airport in the country, the Argyle International Airport delayed its reopening today as major ash cleaning efforts were not sufficient.
Humanitarian aid continues to pour in from several friendly governments, NGOs, and individuals.
Meanwhile, the lead scientist monitoring the volcano, Professor Richard Robertson said displaced people should settle in the south and prepare for the long haul as it could be months before the all-clear is given on the volcano.
The volcano continues to erupt and explosive eruptions can happen with little or no warning.
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